Flu Prevention

In the last weeks there have been many news reports about flu outbreaks in the United States.

As a naturopathic doctor my first thought for prevention is taking actions that boost the immune system. Then your body can fight off the seasonal flu as part of the your normal immune response.

Everybody knows someone who doesn’t fall prey to the common cold or flu each year. These people are examples of the immune system working at its best.

Most of us are not so lucky and need extra support. So what are our options to help prevent getting the flu?

If you listen to the news and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the answer is the seasonal flu vaccine or the flu shot.

The seasonal flu vaccine is an option if you want to take it. I just want people to understand the flu shot is not a 100 percent guarantee that you will not get the flu.

The seasonal flu vaccination is a combination of three attenuated (inactivated) flu viruses that are given usually as an intramuscular shot (in the arm muscle).

Scientists use research to decide which flu strains will make up the upcoming year's seasonal flu vaccine. The flu virus is created usually about 10 months prior to the flu season.

Generally speaking, anyone 6 months old or older can receive a flu shot.

There is a small group of people that should not get a flu shot, including anyone with an allergic reaction to eggs or egg products, anyone who had a poor reaction to a previous flu shot or anyone ever diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Anyone who is sick or has a fever, is encouraged to get a shot on another date.

The CDC reports that the flu shot is 62 percent effective in preventing the most common flu virus. This means 38 percent of the people with took the seasonal flu vaccine with still get the flu.

I will not make a recommendation as to whether you should get the seasonal flu shot or not. Instead I will say that, regardless of whether or not you get the flu shot you still need to take preventative measures to stay well this season.

These measures include:

• Washing your hands frequently

• Staying at home if you're sick so you don’t pass your germs to others

• Covering your mouth with a tissue not your hands when you cough

• Drinking plenty of water

• Getting plenty of rest, taking naps and going to bed early

• Avoiding stressful situations, both emotional and physical

In addition, I advise my patients to:  

•    Focus on eating proteins and vegetables only

•    Avoid processed foods and dairy products

•    Take hot Epsom salt baths

If you take the time to support your immune system it will help prevent you from getting sick!

Live Vibrantly,

Dr. Daemon Jones
“Dr. Dae”

Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org

Download one of Dr. Dae's books: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living or Cultivating Health: Recipes for Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic Conditions @ www.healthydaes.org

Dr. Dae's Bio:

Dr. Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who maintains a holistic practice by treating patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. She helps her patients harvest health and feel great, using a combination of safe and effective naturopathic and conventional methods.

Sources:

"CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Q & A: Seasonal Flu Shot." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2013.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm

Giovinco, Dr. Joette, and FOX 13 Medical Reporter - bio. "Good news in a particularly bad flu season." Tampa Bay news, weather forecast, radar, and sports from FOX 13. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2013.
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/20586919/2013/01/14/good-news-about-a-particularly-bad-flu-season

"Post-Flu Back to Work Tips: Wash, Vaccinate, Hydrate - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Latest News & Top Video News - ABC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2013.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/01/14/post-flu-back-to-work-tips-wash-vaccinate-hydrate

Reviewed January 15, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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• Flu
• Healthy Eating
• Prevention Centers