“Would you like to get your flu shot today?”
That’s the question you can expect to hear at pharmacies across America at this time of year as soon as you walk in the door. Flu shots have been shrouded in controversy and questions since they first became popular, and many people aren’t sure if they’re worth getting or not.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that even healthy people should get a flu shot and that they’re completely safe. It’s been a common fear that flu shots can actually increase your chances of getting the flu, but the CDC says that’s simply not true. However, it is entirely possible to still get the flu after you’ve had the shot if you’re exposed to a virus that’s different than the ones included in this year’s vaccine.
According to the National Vaccine Information Center, the influenza vaccine is less than 70 percent effective in preventing the flu. However, other studies put their effectiveness barely over 50 percent – the equivalent of a coin toss.
What’s In the Flu Shot?
In past years, the flu shot has contained these ingredients, which have caused some serious concerns:
- Egg proteins: Including avian contaminant viruses
- Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen
- Thimerosal: Mercury-based preservative (only in multi-dose vials)
- Other heavy metals such as aluminum: Known neurotoxin
- Sugar: The essence of all inflammatory disease
- Triton X100: A detergent
- Other additives known to cause allergic reactions
However, the CDC maintains, “Today, the only childhood vaccines used routinely in the United States that contain thimerosal (mercury) are flu vaccines in multi-dose vials. These vials have very tiny amounts of thimerosal as a preservative. This is necessary because each time an individual dose is drawn from a multi-dose vial with a new needle and syringe, there is the potential to contaminate the vial with harmful microbes (toxins).”
Natural Ways to Prevent the Flu
The decision of whether or not to get a flu shot is a personal one, and one that you should consider discussing with a medical professional who knows you well. People who have asthma, diabetes, immune deficiencies, heart disease, and obesity may benefit from a flu shot more than others. But regardless of your situation, there are some tried-and-true ways to prevent the flu…naturally.
These are some of the best flu-prevention strategies that have withstood the test of time:
Vitamin D
Dr. John Cannell published a paper titled, “Epidemic Influenza and Vitamin D,” which hypothesized that the flu is a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. Especially in the winter, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D by eating fish and foods fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, breakfast cereals, and cheeses. Vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc are useful in flu prevention too.
Reduce Stress and Get Enough Sleep
If you are exposed to the flu virus when you’re run down and stressed out, your body will have a much harder time fighting it off. Get at least seven hours of sleep and try yoga or meditation first thing in the morning to set yourself up for a stress-free day.
Exercise Every Day
Even if you don’t feel like it, get active for at least 30 minutes every single day. You don’t have make a trip to the gym to get a workout either. Going for a long walk after dinner, playing in the backyard with your dog, or parking your car in a far-away spot will get you moving, at least a bit, on busy or lazy days.
Practice Good Hygiene
Washing your hands regularly and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough go a long way in preventing the spread of the flu. Keep your distance from flu-infected people as much as possible too.
Consume Natural Immune Boosters
Holistic medical practitioners recommend certain types of natural herbs and oils that can help boost your immune system. Oregano and garlic are natural immune boosters that are easy to incorporate in your diet and come in oil form as well. Other herbs that can help include elderberry and echinacea. Also consider taking Beta Glucan, a natural immune booster made from the maitake mushroom that can be used on a regular basis to enhance your immune system..