By Christine Cheng, R.Ph.
Influenza is a viral infection causing fever, headache, muscle aches, malaise, upper respiratory or gastro-intestinal symptoms. It is highly contagious. Despite advancement in modern medicine, this condition is still prevalent in the colder seasons and there is no effective drug that will kill the “flu bug”. Influenza is especially dangerous in the very young, elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
A vaccine is a small amount of the virus introduced purposely into the body so that the immune mechanism of the body produces specific antibodies against the viral antigens. Should a massive invasion of the same virus occur subsequently, the body will be equipped with the necessary antibodies that will neutralize the virus. Immunity from vaccination is short lasting, so yearly vaccination is recommended. The flu shot is scientifically proven to be effective in cutting down both the incidence and severity of influenza. People who are concerned with the side effects of vaccination should take a dose of homeopathic Sulfur 30CH just before and just after the injection.
You will notice there are now multiple flu vaccines available on the market. Some of these are trivalent while others are quadrivalaent (i.e., contain antigens from three or four different strains of influenza). There is one vaccine that includes an adjuvant, an ingredient included to elicit a stronger immune response. You may also hear the term ” high-dose”, which simply means the amount of antigens present in the vaccine are higher than the regular version of that vaccine. Keeping this information in mind, those who are over 65 years of age, should opt for FLUAD®, which is a trivalent, adjuvanted influenza vaccine. The FLUZONE® is available both as regular and High-Dose versions. For the general public, Pharmacare (our government-sponsored medical plan) covers Fluad® and the regular version of Fluzone®. Although the Fluzone® High Dose may be available at some pharmacies for purchase, there is not enough evidence to suggest that either the Fluad® or Fluzone® High Dose vaccines are better than the other. If Fluad® is not available, then getting the regular version of Fluzone® will be the next best thing.
Good nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good hand hygiene are the key to minimize the risk of catching any upper respiratory disease. Keep some homeopathic OSCILLOCOCCINUM® on hand. As soon as you experience the first symptoms of flu (e.g. a scratchy throat, a little headache, neck stiffness, dizziness, malaise, a stuffy nose, a sneeze, etc.), you should take 3 doses of Oscilloccinum on the first day followed by a couple more doses the next day. This may “abort” the flu, or at the very least, shorten the duration of illness and reduce your symptoms.
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