What to Do if You Get the Flu

First of all let's clear something up. Flu shots aren’t very effective. Last year the Cochrane Collaboration, a well-respected nonprofit organization that provides up-to-date, accurate reviews of various therapies, evaluated the efficacy of influenza vaccines. After looking at hundreds of clinical trials involving hundreds of thousands of study subjects, the research team came up with some unsettling conclusions. First, they found that the majority of the studies, including those the government bases its recommendations on, were flawed. Second, they concluded that flu shots just don’t work very well. For people over age 65 living in nursing homes, the vaccine was fairly effective in protecting against flu complications such as pneumonia. However, for people over age 65 living on their own, the effects were negligible. Healthy younger adults were afforded some protection by the flu vaccine, but only when it matched the actual flu strains going around. But because experts can make only an educated guess as to which strains will appear, ensuring a match is, at best, a hit-and-miss proposition. When they don’t match, as is often the case, protection is minimal. As for overall benefits, getting a flu shot was found to lower the number of days of work missed in this group by less than a day. Epidemiologist Tom Jefferson, who coordinated the review, summed it up as follows: “There is a big gap between policies promoting annual influenza vaccinations for most children and adults, and supporting scientific evidence.”

You don’t have to lie in wait for the flu or any other viral infection to strike. Many people have reported after taking vitamin D and other immune-boosting supplements, they just don’t get sick anymore. This is certainly the safest, and perhaps the best, protection you can get against the flu.

If you do come down with the flu, a cold, or another viral infection, here are some things you can do, in addition to taking vitamin D, to shorten the duration and reduce symptoms of the illness. Remember, the time to mount a full-fledged attack is when you first start to notice symptoms. Aggressive early intervention makes all the difference. Vitamin C Vitamin C’s reputation for shortening the duration of viral illness is controversial, but I’m a believer in this therapy, which was popularized by Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling, PhD. I recommend 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C every hour you’re awake.

Vitamin D: The Missing Link John J. Cannell, MD, an innovative physician and founder of the Vitamin D Council, had a “eureka” experience two years ago that resulted in a theory that’s now rapidly gaining ground: Vitamin D deficiencies underlie a vulnerability to influenza and other infectious diseases, and boosting levels of this vitamin protects against infection.
Oscillococcinum is a tried-and-true homeopathic remedy by Boiron. Oscillococcinum is particularly effective at battling the flu, especially if taken at the first sign of symptoms. Take three doses, at six-hour intervals, as directed. It is available in most health food stores and comes in packs of three doses.

Chicken Soup This folk remedy has more than word-of-mouth to support it—scientific research has also given it the thumbs up. According to one study, chicken soup improves hydration and nutritional status and relieves congestion by increasing the flow of mucus. In addition, it inhibits the inflammatory response that is responsible for many of the symptoms of viral infections, and it may have direct actions on infectious organisms. Want to beef up its decongestant properties? Add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Rest and Hydration It should go without saying that when you’re sick, you need to take it easy and get extra sleep. In addition, drink copious amounts of water, herbal teas, and other fluids to maintain adequate hydration.

Other Immune Boosters Add to these suggestions other immune boosters such as the herb echinacea (one dropperful of tincture in water three times a day), garlic (one tablet three times a day) and zinc (10 mg twice a day).

Good Personal Hygiene In addition to taking cold and flu remedies, do not overlook the importance of good hygiene in preventing the spread of viruses to others. Viruses are transmitted by hand-to-hand contact and droplets released in the air from sneezes and coughs. So wash your hands often with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your eyes or nose. Change towels often, and use disposable tissues rather than hankies.

Please remember, flu shots are not benign. Very few clinical trials have been conducted on the safety of these vaccines, which are a hodgepodge of potentially dangerous chemical and biological agents. Flu vaccines can and do have serious, albeit infrequent, side effects.

Many of you may find this hard to believe because it flies in the face of virtually all doctors’ recommendations, but these are the facts. My question to you is, why take a risk on something with so little proven value, especially when you have a safer, more effective option like extra supplements? We are not offering medical advice, as we continue to state but providing some facts for your consideration before he flu season hits big.