Archive for September, 2010

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The Flu Shot – What you Need to Know About the Hype

Comments: 0September 17th, 2010 by admin



Oh, oh, it is flu season again, and with it comes the quandary–should I get a flu shot or should I take an alternative route. We think it would help if you got the pros and cons to assist in making an intelligent choice.
We know what they are saying out there. If you get the flu shot, you can go anywhere and do anything and you are invincible and totally exempt from catching anything. The question is, if the above were true, why is there so much negative propaganda out there about the shots? Why do so many alternative and medical practitioners have skepticism and think it does more harm than good?The chief reason numerous experts believe flu vaccines do not work is because of a natural scientific event called “antigenic shift and drift”. What this means to you is that viruses are forever evolving and mutating from one form to another. According to The Center for Disease Control, “Influenza seasons are unpredictable. The beginning, severity, and length of an epidemic can vary widely from year to year making it impossible to accurately predict the features of any season.”And what do the pharmaceutical companies base their flu vaccine on–Last year’s influenza virus! How preposterous do you think the concept of producing a vaccine today to protect you from the exact virus that is rampant right now–if by the time it is manufactured and used, the virus will have already mutated many times into a completely different virus.
Why is it that when you check out the statistics, it shows that only a few decades ago, less than 20,000 people a year died from the flu? Guess what–last year, the numbers were well over 40,000. Yes, the population has increased by 25%, but hospitalizations and deaths from the flu have multiplied 100%. Does that sound like the flu shot is working?
In addition, it is very important that you determine what substances are being dispensed through the needle. Here are some of the substances that have been listed in the manufacturing of the flu vaccine:
Antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin are included to eradicate stray bacteria located in the mixture. Thimerosol, which is an organic from of mercury is used as a preservative. Thimerosol has been linked to brain injury and autoimmune disease. In addition, numerous studies have revealed substantially increased odds of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation, speech disorders, personality disorders and thinking abnormalities in children after receiving a vaccine containing thimerosol.
Additional Ingredients:
Triton-X 100, a detergent
Formaldehyde, an embalming fluid that is carcinogenic
Polysorbate 80, an emulsifier that is a possible carcinogen
Gelatin and residual egg proteins used to encourage the cultures. (How about people who are allergic to eggs?)
Ethylene Glycol, used as automobile anti-freeze.
Carbolic Acid, a toxic, caustic poison
Aluminum, known to cause Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and cancer.

We’re not finished yet, as there are possible added risks connected with the injectable flu shot that you should know about:
Anaphylaxis (an abrupt, severe allergic reaction to the vaccine components)
Vasculitis (an acute inflammation of the blood vessels due to an autoimmune response) somewhat unlikely, but has happened in rare occasions.
Becoming gravely ill or developing a high fever within 48 hours of the shot.
People who have a medical history of seizures or seizure disorders should definitely talk to their doctor before deciding to get a flu shot.
I guess you will have to determine whether this is a good thing for you or not. Evaluating your particular situation is key in the decision making process. Taking into consideration things like where you work, or whether you travel a lot and are exposed to germs on a constant basis. Do you have several children at home who could bring it home from school or an elderly parent that lives with you?

There is even a group of medical practitioners who believe that there are benefits to getting the flu. They look at it as a chance to build up a resistance to the virus while you are healthy, so that when you are older, your body has some knowledge or limited immunity. It is also an excellent way for your body to detoxify and alert you as to whether your immune system is in tip top shape. Of course, this is taking into consideration that you do not have a condition such as diabetes, asthma, pulmonary problems, emphysema, recurrent pneumonia or a challenged immune system–in which case you might want to discuss taking the flu shot with your physician.

If at this point, you have decided that you don’t want the flu shot, then there are other things you can do to keep from getting sick. The single, most intelligent, and natural way to protect yourself and prevent the flu is to make sure that your immune system is a powerful one and is in tip top shape.NATURAL WAYS TO FIGHT THE FLU VIRUS

Echinacea – This is an herb that works as an immunostimulant that will boost your body’s immune system. It may also stimulate the release of Interferons, one of the body’s most potent infection-fighting weapons. In addition to its infection-fighting capabilities Echinacea helps to produce germ-eating cells, called macrophages which will help with your fight against the flu. Not all Echinacea is equal folks; liquid tinctures provide the most efficient means of absorption into the body. Jash Botanicals Ultimate Echinacea is vastly different from your typical mainstream preparations.Oil of Oregano-The isomeric phenols (primarily carvacrol) in oil of oregano can destroy Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and several other bacteria. That is a big plus when you are trying to fight the flu or a cold. Another phenol component, called thymol, boosts the immune system, which is what you want to do in order to be strong enough to be exposed and yet maintain your health. Oil of Oregano is an antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal and is a natural way to combat a virus. Make sure that you use a mountain grown source that has a high carvacrol percentage (at least 85%).Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)- This is a rich source of nutrients, in particular bioflavonoids and anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that give color to berries, fruits and veggies. The phytonutrients in elderberry positively influence cell function and protection in the human body. A very good product is one called, Sambucol and has been clinically tested and found to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by 60%.Apple Cider Vinegar- You may not know this, but apple cider vinegar goes all the way back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates discovered and treated his patients with it. This natural remedy is a powerful cleansing and healing tool and contains antiseptic and antibiotic properties that fight germs and bacteria. Make extra sure that you purchase the best, such as Bragg’s Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Here is a mixture that you can take to ward off the flu or lessen the symptoms. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 teaspoons of raw honey in 8 ounces of distilled water. Take a glass upon rising, hour before lunch and dinner.Wash your hands with a good natural soap several times each day. Bacterial and viral contamination on your hands will surely spread to your nose and your mouth and is the #1 way people get infected with a cold or flu.Avoiding crowds and traveling really helps during the flu season. Flying across the country in cramped quarters with all that recycled air is not the best thing for avoiding infection.Drink pure water. Whatever you do, do not drink untreated tap water, especially from a municipal source. Using reverse osmosis, distilling or even home ceramic filters are better than drinking tap water.

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A Telling Sign of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Comments: 0September 17th, 2010 by admin



If you want to know if you or a loved-one is indeed an alcoholic or drug addict – it’s important that you know what the drug addiction signs and alcoholism symptoms are.

Now I could give you a whole list of bulleted signs here, but I’m not going to do that (if you want that feel free to visit my website) – because rather than give you a whole bunch of symptoms, I want to give you what I believe is the most telling one.

Most people think alcoholism or drug addiction is a function of how much you drink or how often you use drugs. I don’t think that’s the case however.

It will of course be obvious to you at certain times that a person is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. A drug addict for example will be so advanced in their addiction that their life simply revolves around their habit and doing anything else is almost impossible.

Similarly the alcoholic will be so far down the road with their alcoholism that they don’t have a life anymore – it’s totally fallen apart – relationships, job, practically everything.

However, many suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction, aren’t that advanced yet with their addiction. Therefore you want to recognise the symptoms of drug addiction and alcoholism early.

So the most important sign of alcoholism or drug addiction – is that your life starts to become effected by your using or drinking – and that you are increasingly struggling to cope with things on a daily basis.

You begin to become more preoccupied about your next drink or when you’ll use again, relationships begin to suffer, everyday stuff like work becomes more of a struggle – and so drinking or taking drugs becomes an emotional comfort that feels like it helps you manage better.

The problem is, that it is usually difficult to pick up on this alcoholism or drug addiction symptom, because it happens quickly and if often subtle. Denial usually prevents you seeing what is happening in your own case unless you are able to be really honest with yourself – or if it’s a person you care about, look out for changes in attitude, behaviour or mood.

There are numerous alcoholism symptoms are drug addiction signs – but if you can pick up on this one and hopefully catch it early – a successful recovery will be far easier.

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Understanding Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Comments: 0September 17th, 2010 by admin



Vitamin B6 deficiency is caused by the absorption of Vitamin D in the body by drugs, disease, or by an unusual quick metabolism. Vitamin B6 exists in the human body as pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine. The human body converts these three natural forms of Vitamin B6 so that they can become biologically active. Vitamin B6 is also found in plant and animal foods and is a co-factor in the carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids metabolism. Vitamin B6 is also very important for the biosynthesis of nucleic acid. Because of the many functions of Vitamin B6, it is easy to understand that Vitamin B6 deficiency can pose harm to the human body.

Vitamin B6 deficiency is not a common disease since it’s is present in many foods. Vitamin B6-rich foods include yeast, wheat, sunflower seeds, soy beans, and walnuts. When the food goes through the cooking process, some vitamins are killed of. This is one of the main causes of deficiency or lack of this particular vitamin. However, this disease is more common in depressed people since B6 can heavily regulate mood disorders. Nevertheless, there are supplements that can help supply the body with the right amount of Vitamin B6. In addition, a deficiency of Vitamin B6 is also very common in women taking estrogen or birth control.

Drugs like isoniazid, hydralazine, and penicillin have interaction with the body’s pyridoxal phosphate and this causes the deficiency of Vitamin B6, which is often exhibited by common signs and symptoms such as seizures, anemia, insomnia, weakness, mental confusion, and aggression. Rarely, the loss of this vitamin is a common problem in infants or children who have unusually fast metabolism. Deficiency of Vitamin B6 in children is characterized by seizures. While there isn’t any single test that can really measure the level of Vitamin B6 in the body, the easiest and most effective way to do it is through measuring the pyridoxal phosphate.

Vitamin B6 deficiency can usually be corrected by taking in extra pyridoxine. Establishing the right levels of Vitamin B6 in the body can be a very a slow process but with the physician’s help, it can be achieved.

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How to Lower High A1C Hemoglobin Test Results

Comments: 0September 16th, 2010 by admin



The A1C hemoglobin test is a test run by your primary care physician and it measures your average blood sugar (or glucose) level over the past three months. This is completely different from the glucose tests that you run on a daily basis. The tests that you run at home tell you what your blood sugar levels are right at that very moment. The A1C hemoglobin tests determine how much sugar is actually sticking to your red blood cells.

Unfortunately, the majority of adults with diabetes have an average that is way above seven percent. The goal is to reach seven percent or lower. The longer you have high percentages of A1C, the higher risk you have to getting kidney, eye and even nerve disease. These are all severe risks that come with diabetes; however, A1C hemoglobin levels can help to determine just how at risk you are.

In order to lower your A1C, you need to eat a proper diet and begin exercising. Proper eating plans consist of proper portions along with what you are actually eating. For a proper diet, you must eat the proper portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and non-starchy vegetables. (Non-Starchy vegetables include, but are not limited to, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and carrots.)

Exercise is the other crucial piece in lowering your A1C. If you are not already exercising, you need to implement a 20-30 minute exercise plan into your daily routine. Even if this means you take a 10-minute walk three times a day. If you have already implemented this routine and you still have a high A1C, talk to your health care provider about exercise alternatives.

The A1C hemoglobin test is the best way for a doctor to know if you are managing your sugar intake and glucose levels. Daily monitoring of your glucose levels, will give you an idea as to whether or not your A1C hemoglobin levels will be high or low. If your daily results are normal to low, then your A1C hemoglobin levels will be around seven percent or lower. If you have high daily readings, then your A1C hemoglobin levels will be high.

If you see that your daily testing is producing high results, start managing your glucose level closer.

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Hay Fever – The Important Points That You Should Know

Comments: 0September 16th, 2010 by admin



The Disease and its Causes

These allergic disease, frequently inherited (50% have a family history), are caused most often by airborne pollen, dust, and dander (dust from animals). Of these, pollen is the most frequent offender. Hence, the disease is usually seasonal.

This type of hay fever begins at an early age, during the season of most active spread of the allergic-producing pollen. In general, hay fever in early spring is due to tree pollens; in late spring and early summer to grain pollens; in August to October, to weed pollens. Because a patient may react to several of these pollens, his symptoms may overlap these time periods.

For non-seasonal hay fever there is rarely a family history, and it is usually associated with some infection of the upper respiratory system. Sinusitis is frequently the cause. Growths inside the nose, called nasal polyps, are often an incidental finding.

Symptoms. Hay fever is characterized by bouts of sneezing, nasal discharge of thin, watery mucus, itching and tearing of the eyes. The eyes also become sensitive to light, and become reddened. Itching of the nose, throat, and roof of mouth is also very common. Frequently there is difficulty in breathing through the nose because of the swollen mucous membrane. Fatigue and loss of appetite are often related to the general discomfort.

Complications. Secondary respiratory infection is the most common complication. Occasionally there is the development of bronchial asthma because of allergy to the same offending agent.

Prevention or Lessening of Impact

Elimination of the offending agent, if possible, is the best means of preventing hay fever. This is not always easy. If dander from dogs or cats is implicated, those animals should be removed from contact. Foam rubber bedding may be used where feathers are a cause. Air conditioning may help by filtering the offending pollens.

For the acute attack there are many medications available which are quite effective. This subject is best handled by the family physician. In those cases where treating the attack is unsuccessful, desensitization may be tried. This consists of injecting the individual with gradually increasing doses of the offending agent. In this way it is hoped he will become immune and free of reaction. This form of therapy should always be done under supervision of a physician, since severe reactions may occur.

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Can Honey Alleviate Hay Fever?

Comments: 0September 15th, 2010 by admin



Sitting at my computer this week I was about to begin writing another article when I was overcome with a sneezing fit. Maybe like me you suffer with some seasonal allergies and are always on the look out for natural remedies. One possibility is the use of local honey. It is claimed that eating honey manufactured by honeybees in your local area that can improve your symptoms.

Honey, of course, is derived from pollen-collecting bees that lick the nectar away from pollen-bearing plants. So when you think about it giving honey to someone with hay fever may seem like a potentially foolish move, when one considers the substances origins.

Surprisingly, though, honey does often work to mitigate problems with hay fever.
That is because the final raw honey product is almost devoid of pollen.

Although trace amounts do remain, those amounts are so slight that they usually will not create a problem for hay fever sufferers. What they will do is allow the ingesting party to build up something of a “tolerance” for pollen.

In essence, honey is a means of introducing trace amounts of pollen into the system as a means of desensitization to the allergen. Over time, honey consumption can help to decrease allergy problems.

If one is taking honey as a means of fighting hay fever, many experts recommend using a product that is harvested locally. This tends to be more effective than using honey from more distant locales. A related treatment is chewing the wax caps for honeycombs. Although this really is not a “honey treatment,” strictly speaking, it is an interesting means of fighting allergies that has worked successfully for many people.

As with all these things we would strongly recommend that you only try this after first consulting your personal doctor.

Do you want to discover more exciting uses of honey?

Discover The Benefits Of Honey right here

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Holistic Approaches to Addiction – Incorporating Natural Methods to Aid in Recovery

Comments: 0September 14th, 2010 by admin



One of the growing trends in drug treatment is the rise of holistic drug rehab programs throughout the country. The holistic approach to drug recovery incorporates elements of mind, body and spirit into traditional centers to combat drug addiction. Holistic treatments can be included in dealing with dependencies such as heroin, cocaine, addiction to prescription drugs and recreational illegal drugs. Remember, that many drug rehab programs will have you go through a detox so you can deal with the withdrawal symptoms more easily.

These can involve tapering down as well as substitutions to ease the body through the transition. You’ll also be getting support, counseling and new tools to deal with the underlying anxiety that triggers the cravings.

Nutritional Therapy

Proper nutrition is a key factor in the rehabilitation process. It is what allows the body to detoxify as well as heal itself from the effects of drug use. A holistic approach to diet and nutrition is intended to restore the brain and the rest of the body to the optimal level of functioning. Proper nutrition for each individual is different. For some it may be beneficial to remove all foods that contain additives and/or preservatives.

Vitamins and Herbs

Addicts may need to adopt a speciald diet to help eliminate the toxins stored in their bodies from not only their drug habit, but also poor eating habits they may have adopted while they were using. Examples of detox diet foods, herbs and vitamins are:

Onions and Garlic – helps eliminate harmful metals from the body

Dandelion Root – increases the flow of bile to aid in digestion

Vitamin C – A water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C may help decrease side effects of detox, such as headache or nausea

Milk Thistle – an antioxidant, assists in liver cell regeneration

Support System

Successfully making it through the recovery process is something that requires support. Since drug rehabilitation is both mental and physical the process can be totally draining as the person has to detoxify, get healthy as well as recover from the mental and emotional effects of their habit. The elimination of negative thinking and influences from the individual are essentiall to the creation of a new, drug-free life. Without support and understanding the success of the recovery of the individual is greatly reduced. Some people with drug addictions suffer from what psychiatric issues such as bipolar disorder or major depression disorder. When you have a dual diagnosis of a substance abuse problem with a mental health illness, treatment needs to be tailored to address this.

Spirituality

Holistic drug rehabilitation centers may also provide massage, yoga, meditation, as well as other relaxation techniques to aid in the recovery process. Many professional rehabilitation clinics will incorporate a “higher power” into the recovery process or encourage spiritual development for a recovering addict. In addition to a support system, a person in recovery needs to be able to find support within themselves. Practices that develop a connection between mind, body and spirit are encouraged. Some examples of these practices are Tai-Chi, Yoga, Meditation, and dance.

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Understanding Hay Fever

Comments: 0September 14th, 2010 by admin



Springtime, a lovely time of the year; flowers begin to bloom; trees burst into life; birds sing and the grass becomes greener, ready for its first cut. Some people actually dread this time of year. Their eyes begin to itch and they cough and sneeze. They are unlucky enough to suffer from what we call hay fever.

Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen produced by trees and plants. This pollen is carried in the air. Sufferer’s bodies believe that the pollen may be a harmful virus and so try to fight it. There are tests that can be given to determine what type of pollen is causing the problem and this could give the sufferer the information to allow them to avoid certain plants at times of the year when they would be most at risk. Spring time is not the only time of year that pollen is in the air. Some plants do not produce pollen until much later in the year. The pollen count is usually featured on the television after the local weather forecasts. Though this is usually a very general forecast, It can help give advance warning that there will be a lot of pollen around.

It is advisable for those who get hay fever to stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is high, but this can be impracticable as they may still have to get to work etc. They must also try to avoid areas where there is freshly mown grass.

There are medicines and treatments that can help reduce the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines are recognised as an effective antidote, but some of these treatments can cause drowsiness and so anyone who is driving or working with machinery should take extra care. If you smear Vaseline on the inside of your nostrils, it can trap the pollen particles before they can be inhaled, but this could be unsightly and uncomfortable. Nasal drops are available and some natural oils such as a ready to apply ‘rub on’ aromatherapy blend can help. If it is an extreme case then a doctor should be consulted as to what would be best to use. He can carry out the test to determine which allergen is causing your hay fever.

There are new treatments being developed so sufferers may see welcome improvements in the years to come and be able, like most of us, to enjoy the pleasures of being in the great outdoors.

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Do You Have Normal Thyroid Levels?

Comments: 0September 11th, 2010 by admin



There are many reasons why people may have difficulty losing weight. One possible cause is an underactive thyroid gland. Unfortunately, diagnosing thyroid conditions is often difficult even when a person exhibits low thyroid symptoms.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid gland is situated in the lower part of the neck. It secretes two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for controlling the metabolism of all body cells and therefore regulate body weight. They also regulate body temperature, heart rate and cholesterol levels.

People who have normal thyroid levels secrete around 90 – 100 mcg of thyroxine (T4) daily. All of this is produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland also produces about 20% of the body’s triiodothyronine level (T3), which is about 1/3 the production of T4. The remainder of circulating T3 comes from the liver and kidneys where it has been converted from T4. These tissues convert T4 into two types of T3 hormones: T3 (active) and reverse T3 (rT3).

T3 is around 4 times more biologically active than T4. Reverse T3, on the other hand, is a T3 antagonist. It binds to T3 receptors, which blocks the action of T3. It is important that the body maintains the delicate balance between T3 and rT3 conversion from T4. If for some reason the balance between T3 and rT3 becomes uneven and rT3 dominates, then symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism) may result even though levels of circulating T4 and T3 may be considered normal thyroid levels.

These under-active thyroid symptoms result from a malfunction of the conversion of T4 into T3 rather than an insufficient production of thyroid hormones. The rT3 dominance may result from period of prolonged stress, which causes an increase in the production of the hormone, cortisol. Cortisol blocks the conversion of T4 into active T3, which leads to increased production of rT3. Elevated rT3 levels may also inhibit the conversion of T4 into active T3 thus resulting in even higher rT3 levels.

Diagnosis of problems with thyroid

If someone exhibits low thyroid symptoms (under-active thyroid), blood tests for thyroid function are usually conducted. These tests identify levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), T4 and T3. Rarely do doctors test for rT3.

As a result, many doctors tell their patients that their thyroid is fine, despite the fact that hypothyroid symptoms are present. Patients usually must request an rT3 test to be done. Then the ratio of T3/rT3 can be found. T3 levels must be slightly higher than rT3 levels. The ideal ratio should be between 1.06 to 1.13. If it is less than 1, then rT3 dominance is present.

If rT3 dominance is present, more tests should be conducted to see if there are problems with adrenal exhaustion, hypoglycaemia, specific nutritional deficiencies and sex hormones levels. They should also begin a supplementation program involving iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, tyrosine and iron because these nutrients assist with the production of T4 as well as the conversion of T4 into T3. In addition to blood tests there are several other ways to assess thyroid problems and therefore provide a more accurate assessment. Click to find out more about the others test that should be done.

Treatment of thyroid problems

When it comes to treating any disease in the body, it is essential that the underlying cause is addressed rather than simply masking the symptoms.

If a person is diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, the standard protocol is to simply give them thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) medication. Over time, this approach may result in their body stopping its own production of these hormones completely, which means they will be on the medication for the rest of their life.

Medication is an effective tool in achieving normal thyroid levels but it is not a long-term approach. Many other treatment options are available that may be used individually or in conjunction with medication. Always work with your doctor when considering treating any thyroid problems.

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Do You Know About the Dangers of Feline Leukemia?

Comments: 0September 10th, 2010 by admin



If you are the proud owner of a kitty, then you should take the time to learn about feline leukemia. Many cats die each year from this dangerous disease, which has been found to be caused by a virus which is highly contagious. To protect your precious cat, you should take the time to learn more about feline leukemia, and what you can do to help protect your cat from it.

Feline leukemia is a virus that causes other more serious diseases, such as cancer and anemia. There is only a ten percent chance of survival for cats that contract feline leukemia, very few living longer than three years after contracting the virus. Any cat can contract feline leukemia, but young kittens are particularly vulnerable, especially those who are younger than six months old.

Like many other feline diseases, feline leukemia is spread through the saliva of infected cats. Since cats often groom each other, and eat and drink from the same bowls, it is easily spread from cat to cat, especially those who are in close contact with each other all the time, such as cats living in the same home. Female cats that have feline leukemia can also pass the virus along to their unborn kittens, who through their milk when feeding their young. Most cases of feline pregnancy in cats infected with feline leukemia never make it to term, the unborn kittens succumbing to the disease and dying in the womb before they are ever born.

Some cats are naturally resistant to feline leukemia, their immune systems being able to kill the virus before it causes any real damage to the internal organs of the cat. If the virus spreads into the cat’s bone marrow before the immune system is able to destroy it, the cat will eventually succumb to the virus.

Cats that have feline leukemia often have frequent illnesses, since the disease destroys their immune system, making them unable to fight off disease causing bacteria and germs. Over time, feline leukemia takes its toll on the cat’s overall health, and you will see the cat getting sicker and sicker. Cats with feline leukemia will often run fevers, have little energy, refuse to eat, or eat very little, and will lose weight rapidly. Cats that have feline leukemia will often become anemic, and many of them will also develop feline lymphoma, or cancer.

Much like HIV, there is no current treatment for feline leukemia. Once a cat has contracted this disease, all you can do is try to keep the cat as healthy as possible, to try to postpone the inevitable. If your cat does become sick, you have to seek immediate medical treatment, often in the form of long courses of high-dose antibiotics. Since you cannot treat this deadly disease, all you can do is try to keep your cat as healthy and comfortable as possible, for the duration.

There are vaccines available that can help prevent feline leukemia, however they are not one hundred percent effective. Before you bring a new cat into your home, you should have it tested for feline leukemia, to be certain that you aren’t putting your other cats at risk, even if those cats have been vaccinated.

If your cat does contract feline leukemia, you should do everything you can to limit contact with other animals, to prevent the spread of the disease, and to keep your cat from contracting potentially deadly infections.

As a cat owner, you should learn about feline leukemia, have your cats vaccinated, and limit their contact with other animals as much as possible, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious feline disease.

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