Q: How can I minimize the side effects of the flu shot and can I enhance its efficacy in a natural way?
Dr. Henry Cheng: The flu shot is scientifically proven to be effective in preventing influenza, but this year Health Canada has advised that only high risk individuals will be inoculated whereas the one for H1N1 will be available for everybody. If you are concerned about side effects, try take a dose (3 pills to be dissolved under the tongue) of Sulfur 30CH (homeopathic medicine) before and after the flu shot. This may help to minimize the side effects. For people who cannot take the injection, take Influenzinum 9 CH once a week and Thymuline 9 CH also once a week (on a different day of the week) for 5 weeks. This program will enhance one’s immunity against the flu and can be used in addition to the flu shot. If flu systems are caught early, 3 doses of Oscillococinnum® on the same day or one dose twice a day for 3 days usually shorten the illness. If you prefer herbal medicine, Esberitox® and Ah-Choo® are probably your best choices for flu symptoms.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now Natural Products Consultant at Pharmasave Health Centre Downtown Cloverdale.
