Posts Tagged ‘Flu’

The Flu Shot – Should I Or Shouldn’t I?

Comments: 0September 12th, 2011 by admin



You’ve probably heard all you want to hear about the Swine Flu vaccination by now: I know I certainly have. So this article isn’t really about the flu shot – it’s actually about making decisions. What brought his topic to mind, though, is that I’ve recently decided to forgo the shot this year and go the homeopathic route instead.

Is this because I know better than those who advocate the vaccination? No. Might I end up regretting not getting the shot? Maybe. I don’t know.

And it’s precisely because I don’t know that I had to make that decision with my gut. This doesn’t mean that my gut is necessarily right – but because of the vast array of conflicting opinions and information to be found on the topic, my head simply wasn’t able to make the choice.

But, again, this isn’t just about the flu shot – it’s about all of the personal decisions we need to make in our continuous striving for growth and wholeness. Ideally, we can search for the information we need, find it, and make a decision based on what we’ve just learned (assuming that it’s accurate). Unfortunately, though, there are a lot of things that just don’t work that way. And so we have to make a decision based on other things and hope for the best.

We all do the best with what we’ve got at any given point, and we can never predict with 100% accuracy how things are going to turn out. All of our decisions are based upon some combination of past experience, hard data and hearsay, intuition and faith. Sometimes we’re guided by our values and beliefs, and at other times we feel safer playing the odds. In any case, decisions have to be made.

But it’s important to understand the difference between the decisions that are irresponsibly founded on intuition (where if we actually cared to do the work, we could come up with something more informed), and the decisions that need to be made when intuition is truly all we’ve got.

It takes a lot of discipline, patience, and critical thought to thoroughly examine and investigate our options and the potential implications of our choices – to do our due diligence. But it’s an important endeavour: many people too often get lazy with this and act mindlessly and impulsively; sometimes with serious consequences. And many of us also tend to take it too far the other way: we over-think our lives and ultimately succumb to overwhelm and ‘analysis paralysis’ – never taking the risks that can lead to great rewards.

So let’s always remember to be thoughtful with our choices, and take care in our actions. And when we do feel stuck, fearful, or confused after an honest assessment, let’s learn to trust that things often turn out okay anyway – and that we can handle the unanticipated variables with grace and resilience.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Will You Be Denied the Swine Flu Shot?

Comments: 0July 6th, 2011 by admin



Nobody enjoys going to get a flu shot, but we do expect that if we want one, getting in line for it should simply be a matter of showing up for the event. But what if that was not the case? What if you discovered that you were actually turned away from an inoculation centre because you did not fit a predefined “profile” for who is eligible to receive a shot?

Ironically, in a year in which a pandemic strain is circling the globe, this is a very real possibility. Right now it looks as though swine flu vaccines will be in short supply until sometime in 2010. That means there is not enough supply for everyone to be vaccinated against the new pandemic virus.

Right now this is not a huge concern, because the virus has not been the cause of a huge number of deaths. In fact, it has so far caused no more misery than the seasonal flu, which claims up to a half million lives across the globe every year. But that could change quickly, and if the new swine flu strain suddenly proves to be significantly more lethal than it has been, people will want to be vaccinated, and finding themselves denied the shot could be very worrisome.

So who *will* be allowed to get the shot when it first becomes available? First responders to emergencies need to remain healthy, as do doctors and other health workers who will take care of the sick. Members of the military are also likely to go into the line, as are children, who have shown a higher tendency to fall sick, pregnant women, and anyone with cardiac problems, high blood pressure, or other underlying health problems than can cause a lowered immune response.

If you are otherwise healthy, and you are an adult, then you will likely have to go to the back of the line and wait until early 2010 before you can be vaccinated. It is thought that the U.S. will get its hands on about 120 to 160 million doses of the new vaccine by later October, and depending on whether one or two shots are required to invoke an antibody response to the new swine flu, about one fifth, to one third of the population of the United States could be vaccinated during the first round.

I wish you are lucky enough to get vaccinated before the virus does turn significantly worse.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

What to Do When You Can’t Afford a Flu Shot Right Now

Comments: 0October 13th, 2010 by admin



Since all the concern about H1N1, many flu shot manufacturers are pulling double duty; they are producing vaccines for the seasonal flu and H1N1. While many organizations are saying there isn’t a shortage of the seasonal flu shot, many of the affordable clinics run by retail stores are being canceled because they do not have enough shots to hold their clinics.

If you intended to get a shot at a clinic offered by a local grocery store or drug store and missed the first clinics, you may see the next rounds being canceled. Since most stores were charging only $30 a shot; this was a pretty good deal if you don’t have insurance. First, give the pharmacy your phone number and ask them to call you in the event another clinic is scheduled in the near future. Next, contact your local government offices. In the United States, many counties setup shot clinics throughout the area. Many of these clinics took place in October, but some will have a second round of clinics too. As like most retail stores, these clinics were perfect for those without insurance because the cost of a flu shot was typically around $40.

If you want to get a flu shot and cannot find a local clinic hosted by a business or your county, you may run into a problem (especially if you are uninsured). Your remaining option is to schedule an appointment with a doctor. The problem comes from the fact that most doctors will not only charge you for the flu shot, but a physician’s fee too. This can make the flu shot out of your reach in terms of budget. So what should you do? Keep calling your country offices, look for flu clinics on the news or in local newspapers, and keep contacting retail stores that had to cancel a flu shot to see if they have rescheduled.

During this time, there are two things you should do. First, start saving money in case you end up paying extra by getting your flu shot from a doctor. If possible, set aside $10 a week, even if you must forego the coffeehouse coffee and make your own before work each morning. This extra money will come in handy if you haven’t found a flu shot clinic towards the end of November because you may want to go with the last resort of visiting a doctor’s office.

Finally, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands as often and possible. Have some no-water needed hand sanitizer to carry around. Use it before and after entering public places or shaking hands with someone at work.

Incoming search terms for the article:

healthy choices flu shot,what if i can\t afford a flu shot

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

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.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Mold Allergy Medicine

Comments: 0August 31st, 2010 by admin



Mold allergies are caused when you live in a house where you are exposed to mold spores. You can also be exposed to mold spores in other areas of your life, but is generally in the home where most people are suffering from allergic reactions to mold. Mold allergy medicine is an answer to this problem. But first let’s have a look at problem of mold.

There are many allergic reactions caused by airborne pollutants, and mold allergies are no exception to this. Mold spores are part of the reproductive process that mold goes through. Mold spores can stay airborne indefinitely, so no matter how you try to avoid exposure to them, you will always fail if you are in an environment where they exist in great amounts.

Even the allergic reactions to other airborne allergens are similar to the allergic reactions felt with spores from mold. They generally come in the form of a runny nose, itchy eyes which can be very sore, sneezing, headaches, general irritation, and flu-like feelings. This is where the mold allergy medicine tries to alleviate some of the problems.

Mold allergy medicine comes in the form of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and sometimes bronchodilators. These medications are meant to treat the symptoms of mold allergy. There also a series of injections that are available from your physician to try and combat the long-term exposure to mold spores. The injections contain an element of mold and are usually given over time and in increasing doses in order to build a level of a tolerance to the mold.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Is Flu Shot Vaccination Really Useful?

Comments: 0August 23rd, 2010 by admin



Every year thousands of people end up in the hospital with flu complications. According to CDC (Center of Disease Control & Prevention) the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

The question; Is flu shot vaccination really useful? Well, let’s take a quick look from the source, in this case is the Influenza virus that cause flu in the first place. There are currently 2 types of Influenza viruses, Type A & Type B. Indeed, these two viral candidates are fully responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza Type A viruses can further be broken down into sub-types as well. Throughout the whole course of a flu season all these different types & subtypes of influenza viruses are being circulated in various form that cause this common illness.

In addition, influenza viruses are constantly changing through a process called “antigenic drift”. This is a continuous & spontaneous mutations process in the viral RNA. This often enables the virus to evade the immune system of the host such as humans, canine(Dog), avian(Birds), swine(Pig) & others. This process works in this sequence, a host infected with influenza virus develops antibody against that virus; as the virus changes, the “first” antibody no longer recognizes the “newer” virus and reinfection can occur. The first antibody may in some instances provide partial protection against reinfection with an influenza virus.

So, what that really mean is flu shot cannot really prevent you from getting a flu because it depends what type of viruses you are infected with. In addition, the Influenza viruses changes very rapidly which makes the vaccination to be somewhat obsolete. The vaccination is still effective for older type of viruses but be aware that it most likely have very little effect against current viruses.

The bottom line is that flu shot does not make you invincible towards the Influenza viruses, some people think you can get a flu from a flu shot which is not true. You can get a flu after the flu shot because you might be infected by newer Influenza viruses. Since the vaccine manufacturer cannot predict the future of Influenza viruses mutation. That means they are always reacting to the current result of the influenza viruses.

The best prevention is still simple common sense practices such as covering nose & mouth with tissue or napkins while coughing or sneezing. Do remember to dispose the tissues & napkins after use. Washing hands with soap & water after cough or sneeze. Hand sanitizers also works well. Avoid close contact with sick people as much as possible, if you happen to be infected with flu please be considerate to either stay at home, school , work place. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth because this is how viruses spread into your immune systems.

In conclusion, the flu shot can give you an extra piece of mind in terms of protection which can be useful for many people. But it certainly is not the be all end all solution to this annual epidemics.

If you are interested to learn more about your health, check out http://www.healthyencounter.com.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Flu Shot Side Effects – Painful Flu Jab?

Comments: 0June 6th, 2010 by admin



Have you had a flu shot this year yet?

Tom Smith did and he quickly regretted it. He had a flu shot in his right arm eleven days ago and now his upper arm and shoulder area is killing him! He thinks the flu jab must have hit a nerve. He’s in a panic and asking “What should I do about this? The pain radiates down my arm and into my neck. It also keeps me up for several hours a night. Will the pain from this flu shot go away soon?”

Ron Evans’ mother had the same problem and now he worries what might happen to him. Countless people around the world are worried about an influenza outbreak but don’t protect themselves because they are even more worried about how the vaccination might affect them! What should you do? Will you get side effects too?

Abbie said:

“I had a very bad reaction to a jab recently too. My doctor gave me the shot high up on the shoulder and to be honest I have never seen a flu shot given that way. I asked her about it but she said that it needed to be given deep into the muscle. I could actually feel the pain as she gave the injection – yuk – it really was horrible and within an hour my shoulder was achy and it was the worst I have ever felt after any kind of vaccination. It’s now gone over a week and my shoulder is still aching and I can still hardly lift my arm or shoulder.”

Would all of this put you off having a jab? Don’t make your mind up yet – read below before you decide!

Flu shots or flu vaccinations can cause pain for a number of reasons.

The commonest reason is that some people develop a minor allergic type reaction to the flu virus contained in the vaccine – or more rarely to the stuff that is in the liquid used to make up the vaccine.

The arm becomes warm, swollen and tender and this can persist for up to two weeks. If it is very severe then you should see a doctor for some treatment.

Some experts think that a reaction like this indicates an aggressive response by your immune system to the flu virus in the vaccine – indicating that your immune system will thereafter be very efficient at fighting off flu should you be exposed to it.

Simple remedies to take if your arm reacts like this to a flu jag include over the counter painkillers like Tylenol or paracetamol. You can also apply an ice pack or take an antihistamine tablet.

It is also important to let the doctor or nurse know that you reacted like this so a note can be put on your records. You should also mention a reaction like this before you have another flu shot next year

A vaccination against influenza could literally save your life this year. Don’t rush into a decision not to have one before you really think it through properly.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

Have You Thought About Getting the Flu Shot This Year?

Comments: 0November 10th, 2009 by admin



Awhile back I had to take my daughter in to see her pediatrician. It wasn’t anything major and I was expecting to be in and out of there… and I almost was. Before I knew it, we were back on the topic of flu shots. Now I had just been in for my daughter’s check up a few months earlier, where I thought we had covered the whole flu shot shebang, but apparently my pediatrician had geared up for round two without telling me.

So there we were again- ‘Have you thought about getting your daughter the flu shot this year?’ ‘Nope.’ ‘Well, then have you thought about getting the swine flu shot for her?’ ‘Nope.’ Allow me to elaborate – From the day my daughter was born I have been very selective about the vaccinations I am willing to give her. Not because I believe that there is a link between certain vaccines and autism (although I most certainly do!), but because I honestly believe that we were given an immune system for a reason. You might think that it’s cruel and unusual punishment for me to leave it open to chance that my daughter may or may not have to endure the chicken pox as a child, but I think her body was perfectly crafted by God and I would like to do as much as I can to keep it that way. Injecting her with a virus and added toxins just doesn’t seem the way to do it.

On top of that, they now offer vaccines that don’t even serve a real purpose. For example, they are giving the hepatitis vaccine to newborns these days, because it’s easier to make sure everyone gets their shot at birth than to wait it out and hope the teenagers show up to get it. It’s not really needed for babies and young children. And here’s the kicker – chances are it will be out of your child’s system again by the time they are old enough to actually have to worry about it and they will most likely have to take the shot all over again! Now, tell me how that makes sense… unless of course, you are the pharmaceutical company supplying these vaccinations, then it makes plenty of sense! Add to that the vaccine that helps prevent ear infections in babies. Seriously, who is getting that one? Maybe wait it out a little and see. Chances are your baby won’t have chronic ear infections and in fact will be just fine. If time goes by and you find that your baby does seem to be prone to them, you can always get it then.

We, as a people, don’t want to suffer and when we do, we insist on the immediate magic fix. Well, sometimes it’s just a part of life to suffer and if you suffer a little and stick it out, you may not suffer at all later on. Point in case – the swine flu! As it has turned out, the older you are and the more you’ve been around (perhaps have had the regular flu a time or two in your life) the less affected you are likely to be by the swine flu. Want to know why? Because your body (once perfectly crafted by God) can evolve and adjust and learn to fight things off like the flu all on it’s own… but only if we let it.

As I am telling my pediatrician all of this (the condensed version, of course) she decides to try and ease my fears. How does she do this? By looking me square in the eye and saying ‘ Well we are giving pregnant women this shot, and you know we wouldn’t do that if it wasn’t completely safe.’ Really?! Lady, when was the last time you turned on the TV? Last time I checked there were about a gazillion attorney commercials looking for women whose children were born with birth defects do to the medications they were taking while pregnant. No doubt their doctor told them it was completely safe, too! I didn’t laugh at her, but I wanted to. When that tactic didn’t work she moved on to this one -’What about other people? Your daughter may be able to handle the flu just fine but what if she exposes other younger children or pregnant women?’ Keep your guilt Doc! I’m not packing to go on that trip! Didn’t you just get done telling me that pregnant women are GETTING the vaccination?!

Look, the bottom line is this, I am responsible for my daughter’s health and well-being, period. Every parent has to make their own decisions about what’s right for them. I can’t worry about every kid in the world, I keep pretty busy with just one. In case you are still wondering, my daughter will not be getting the flu shot. Not now, probably not ever! Oh… and I’m also in the market for a new Pediatrician

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu

A Flu Shot Alternative in Six Steps

Comments: 0May 24th, 2009 by admin



Chances are if you are reading this you are already aware of the potential risks or side effects of receiving a flu shot. Even though the media is working diligently with government agencies and the CDC to make sure each on every one of us is standing in line waiting for yet another vaccine, you know you are not going to be one of those waiting for your cocktail of questionable ingredients.

An Ideal Flu Shot Alternative

Now that you have made your decision to remain flu shot free, what is your next step? What are good natural alternatives to the flu shot?

A strong, healthy immune system in key to preventing a flu virus from attacking your body. If your first line of defense is strong and healthy, then you possess the tools to remain healthy and “flu free”.

6 Steps To A Healthy Immune System & A Flu Shot Alternative

1) Eat Healthy – Nutritional Foods. Eliminate or reduce your sugar intake as well as processed foods. Sugar and processed foods inhibit the immune systems function, reducing it to a weakened state quickly.

2) Exercise – A strong body is a healthy body. When your blood is flowing, the complex components of your immune system are working at their optimum levels.

3) Sleep – A well body operates much more efficiently that a sleep deprived one. Take steps to get seven to eight hours every night.

4) Manage Stress – It is believed as much as 90% of illness and disease is triggered by high stress levels.
A body under stress for extended periods of time becomes worn out and unable to resist invasion from sickness, including the flu.

5) Wash Your Hands – Germs, bacteria and viruses simply will not live on a clean, disinfected surface, including your hands.

6) Take Supplements To Strengthen Your Immune System – Get Vitamin D & Vitamin C straight from the sun if you can, if not in the form of a good supplement. Omega 3 Oils have been shown to help strengthen the immune system. Colloidal Silver, an immune system builder, killing up to 650 strains of bacteria and viruses when used as a supplement makes a strong flu shot alternative.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in flu