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Flu Season: Is the Flu Shot Enough?
Once again we are in not only the holiday season but also the flu season. And the same questions arise: "What should I get Aunt Betty?" and "Should I get a flu shot?" While I have no idea what to get Aunt Betty, I do have a few ideas about surviving flu season.
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Doing everything you can to prevent illness is vastly superior to treating illness once it strikes. Does this mean it's a good idea to have a flu shot? Perhaps—but keep the following facts in mind.
The flu vaccine that is given this year is made from the viruses that were most common last year. Are these the same viruses that will be around this year? Who knows? Generally every year sees a new strain of flu virus that has managed to mutate and emerge from some far corner of the world and that is not protected against by this year's flu shot.
A recent Mayo Clinic study of 153 elderly people showed that 46 percent of the patients who received a vaccination containing three viral strains failed to develop antibodies to any of the strains. Only 17 percent developed antibodies to all three strains. This is one of the reasons why so many seniors get the flu despite having a flu shot.
Regardless of whether you decide to get the shot, there are a number of things I recommend to all of you. Many of these are common sense and should be practiced year–round. They are especially important during the holiday season when we tend to socialize more and are ever more likely to come into contact with any number of germs.
- Drink plenty of water. Central heating, holiday libations and the hectic holiday pace all contribute to dehydration, which in turn lowers immunity. Have an extra glass of water before you start to feel thirsty.
- Get plenty of rest. Historically, people rose when the sun came up and went to bed not long after the sun went down, which meant that in the winter people tended to hibernate more. Heed the urge to nap or go to bed earlier than usual, and give your immune system the rest it craves to stay strong.
- Don't forget your supplements. A good multivitamin and mineral supplement, as well as extra vitamin C, go a long way to supporting your wellness. A Canadian study showed that seniors who took an antioxidant–rich vitamin and mineral supplement had stronger immune systems and half the number of sick days than those who took a placebo.
- Keep a bottle of Gan Mao Ling handy. As soon as you notice the first symptom of a cold or flu, be sure to take 4 to 6 tablets every 4 to 6 hours until all you are all better. It can even be taken preventatively if you are in contact with people who are sick, at home or at work. Gan Mao Ling is very effective, inexpensive and all natural. Stop by the Heaven and Earth Clinic to stock up. It makes a great stocking stuffer, too!
- Wash your hands often. The number–one method of flu transmission is hand to mouth. We are generally not even aware of how often we touch our faces. Think of every doorknob or other object we touch daily that any number of people may have also touched.
- Get some acupuncture. Acupuncture is always a good idea for strengthening the immune system. It helps to maintain balance during the stressful "holi–daze." Do yourself a favor and have a relaxing session. You'll come away feeling renewed and refreshed. Mention this article and receive one–third off your initial treatment cost. And remember: For a great holiday gift; give the gift of health. Gift certificates are always available.
So whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, Ramadan, the winter solstice, all of the above or none of the above, have a healthy and peaceful end of 2002 and a safe and happy new year!
© 2002 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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