Millions develop the flu each year and only experience mild symptoms.  Incubation period is about two days before symptoms of fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, fatigue or headaches appear.  Transmission is through coughing and sneezing, direct contact with contaminated surfaces and objects or unwashed hands.  Symptoms usually subside after two to three days and disappear within a week.  Over 500 different viruses can cause flu like symptoms.  Vaccines are devised using the three most common strains seen in the previous year  

High-risk groups for contracting the virus

• All people greater than 65 years old
  
• People with serious long-term health problems especially diabetes, kidney disease, and immune-suppression (people on steroid medications, cancer, HIV), or at risk of developing complications
  
• Travelers
  
• Children on long-term treatment with ASA who may be at risk of developing Reye’s syndrome
  
• Individuals with blood disorders (e.g. anemia)
  
• Individuals with lung disease (asthma, COPD) and/or heart conditions (angina, CHF)
  
• Residents, workers, and volunteers of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities
  
• Women more than 3 months pregnant during flu season
  

Contraindications to the Influenza vaccination

• Persons with an acute respiratory infection or with any other active infection or serious febrile (fever) illness
  
• Individuals who develop anaphylactic type reactions (hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, hypotension and shock) to eggs 
  
• With active neurological disorders until they are stabilized
  
• Those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (paralytic disorder)
  
• Individuals with an allergy to thimerosal (a preservative used in the vaccine) 
  
• History of allergic reactions to the flu vaccine
  
• Children less than six months of age
  

Potential Side Effects of the Influenza Vaccination

Local - soreness, pain, swelling, and a rash at the vaccination site (affecting 10%--64% of patients) that lasts <2 days  

Systemic - Fever, malaise, myalgia, and other systemic symptoms can occur and most often affect persons who have had no prior exposure to the influenza virus antigens in the vaccine (e.g., young children). These reactions begin 6--12 hours after vaccination and can persist for 1--2 days.   Seizures are also possible in infants with high fevers caused by the vaccination

Serious - Immediate --- presumably allergic --- reactions (e.g., hives, angioedema, allergic asthma, and systemic anaphylaxis) rarely occur after the vaccination

Points to Consider

1. Formaldehyde, heavy metals (mercury) and chemicals are often used to destroy the virus and create the vaccine
   
2. Vaccinations prevent the body from naturally responding to external pathogens like viruses and bacteria
   
3. A strong and healthy immune system is required to build permanent immunity and decrease the potential for developing unknown side effects from exposure to vaccinations 
   
4. 90% of people that develop complications or die from the virus are over 65 years 
   

Factors that Weaken Our Immune System 

General guidelines for promoting and maintaining a healthy immune system

• Eat 5 - 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.  Include the culinary herbs garlic, onions, thyme and oregano in your cooking (immune boosters)
  
• Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol (depresses the immune system)
  
• Drink 8 glasses of water daily to keep hydrated
  
• Avoid overeating - it takes energy to digest food
  
• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water and avoid close contact with anyone who is not well 
  
• Wear adequate clothing and limit skin exposure when outside temperatures are low and during the change of season
  
• Get adequate rest and sleep
  
• Exercise on a daily basis 
  
• Do 5-10 minutes of deep breathing daily (spend twice as long on the exhalation as the inhalation).  Practice stress reduction exercises like meditation, massage, or acupuncture as chronic stress can depress the immune system.
  

Ask Dr. Maria Papasodaro, your Naturopathic Doctor about the alternative preventative remedies to the flu vaccine and begin your journey to wellness!