It’s flu season again
Wednesday, December 12th, 2007Read a good post about flu season. Check it out.
http://edrugsearch.com/edsblog/bring-out-your-meds-flu-season-is-here/
Brad
colds, flu, Flu / Colds, flu season, flu shots, healthPopularity: 36%
Read a good post about flu season. Check it out.
http://edrugsearch.com/edsblog/bring-out-your-meds-flu-season-is-here/
Brad
colds, flu, Flu / Colds, flu season, flu shots, healthPopularity: 36%
by Brenda Skidmore
How would you like to hear some objective, and less commercialized, information on whether, or not, you should get a flu shot? How will getting a flu shot help keep you protected, or not protected, from getting the flu in the next upcoming flu season?
Getting a flu shot in the U.S. Has never been easier. More than 130 million injectable doses, and 4.5 million nasal mist doses are available for this years upcoming flu season. In fact, the number of available doses seems to be growing each consecutive year, encouraging even relatively healthy individuals to take advantage of flu virus protection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims, by certain reports, that an estimated 36,000 deaths a year are contributed by the flu. Although this yearly estimate figure seems rather high, consider that this figure covers mostly complications due to having the flu, like pneumonia. In all actuality, only around 1250 deaths a year, or less, is actually caused from the flu.
There are many reasons a person can get pneumonia, the flu is only one of several ways of developing it. So the scare tactics that are used to encourage flu vaccinations is way over hyped. You can learn more by going to the ‘Health Ranger’, Mike Adam’s newstarget web site.
Despite the scare strategies that are being used to get people to get a flu shot, only 1 in 4 babies actually get them, and many adults do not buy into the flu shot hype either. Why, then, don’t more adults take advantage of an easy opportunity to get a flu virus protection for themselves, or their children, if the vaccine supposedly boasts of an effective success rate as high as 70 to 80 percent?
It seems the number one reason, why many people do not get a flu shot, is really rather simple. Most Americans do not trust the flu vaccine. They believe it does not really work, and they also believe it can cause one to get the flu.
The flu is something you should take rather seriously, though, as it is very contagious, and easily spread by touching objects and breathing in of moist microscopic droplets. The flu, and complications from having the flu, can most definitely be a killer to those with weakened immune systems.
But, does that imply that you should let scare tactics that the CDC and other health care organizations use to influence you, in seeing only one option as the only answer to this problem?
Absolutely not!
The flu vaccine in any form, whether it be nasal mist or injectable, can be considered basically worthless and should, in my opinion and that of many others, be avoided. I have never taken a flu shot personally, and I made that decision based on the knowledge that I did not like what can be in the vaccine itself. The flu vaccine, along with other immunization vaccinations can be loaded with toxic metals such as mercury and aluminum that are used as preservatives. These neurotoxic heavy metals are also known to be dangerous central nervous system poisons.
Many individuals with impaired immune systems do come down with the flu shortly after getting a flu injection. That is because a live virus is used in the vaccine. This live virus can weaken an individual’s, already, compromised immune system resistance even further. Does it make good sense to you that a person with a current health challenge, or even a healthy adult or child, should have their immune system resistance purposely lowered, or lowered even further if they are already health challenged?
I think I would rather take my chances on getting the flu, and allow myself sufficient rest and recovery time, than risk my central nervous system to being permanently damaged by toxic metal preservatives.
So, what can a person do to build up their immune system resistance, naturally, to avoid getting the flu and protect yourself? Taking a natural approach is not that hard to do if you know a few things.
Here are six different ways, and there are many more than these, that you can use to help protect yourself this flu season, and in all future flu epidemics.
1.Avoid processed sugar. Refined sugar will weaken your immune system almost immediately after you eat it. 2.Allow yourself plenty of rest , whether it is flu season or not. 3.Get extra vitamin D (sun exposure is best) or use sun lamps, or vitamin D supplements. Cod liver oil capsules can be used in winter months and you will be getting your vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids at the same time. 4.Manage your stress levels with exercise, meditation, and spiritual pursuits. 5.Regularly consume good bacteria nutrition (probiotics) in fermented foods and beverages. 6.Make a conscious effort to increase your daily fluid intake with more pure water.
Remember this important fact, there is only circumstantial evidence, at best, that supports the notion that getting a flu shot will help prevent you from getting the flu. God has really given us such wonderful bodies. If we make an honest attempt to eat less junk foods, replacing junk foods with more natural, whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, juicing, and using the six helpful tips mentioned above, you really will boost your immune system resistance to the flu, or any other contagious bacterial illness.
You really can, easily, make a difference in protecting yourself against getting a contagious illness this natural approach way. Once you have proven it to yourself, that it can be done this way, you will have more confidence to live this way on a more consistent basis. This approach also strengthens and boosts your overall good health status, naturally.
Buy less into the hype that big modern day medicine tells you, and question their empty solutions more often. Trust your inborn common sense more, in asking yourself, which of these two models really makes more sense in the long term, without unnatural interventions?
About the Author
Brenda Skidmore has actively spent the last four plus years researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to the many positive results natural practical cures and preventive strategies bring to human health. Along with the many medical professionals whose public works she has studied, it is her sincere desire to empower others by sharing this important information. To improve your health today visit: http://www.mywater4life.com
Popularity: 7%
Breakouts of the flu are responsible for millions of lost hours at both work and home each year, not to mention many miserable days trying to recover. If you’re wondering what you can do to naturally boost your immunity and prepare your body’s defenses, study the foods you’re eating, look at your family’s meals, and make the changes needed to ensure everyone is eating a well-balanced diet abundant in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
Black currants are even richer in vitamin C than oranges, containing approximately three times the recommended daily intake for adults. It’s imperative that you get plenty of vitamin C since it helps prevent infections and helps keep the immune system healthy.
Pork has high levels of zinc and selenium, both of which help keep your immune system strong. It’s also one of the best sources of B vitamins and contains only a little more total fat than beef. So be sure to include lots of pork entrees in your menu planning.
Mix up your morning breakfast with a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a vitamin C-rich drink that’s both sweet and tart. However, you should check with your doctor if you’re on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, as mixing grapefruit juice with certain drugs can lead to dangerous toxicity.
Brussel sprouts are a great vegetable source of vitamin C, are high in fiber and contain lots of folate as well. They improve anticarcinogenic glucosinolates, which have important cancer-fighting properties. They’re a great addition in a stew to provide lots of fl-busting nutrients.
Yogurt that includes live cultures has a positive effect on your GI tract, and as a result, helps the body purge the germs from the body more quickly and effectively and fight the flu. You want your yogurt to contain the active culture L. acidophilus, which is also helpful in fighting off yeast infections.
Potatoes are one of the most affordable sources of vitamin C, and nicely complement any entrée with their high levels of potassium and fiber. The skin contains the most fiber and the flesh just under the skin contains the most vitamin C. Fresh potatoes are the best source of vitamin C. Be careful of how you choose to prepare them, as soaking them in water robs them of their germ-busting vitamin C.
Whole wheat pasta is also rich in niacin, fiber, and iron. Its complex carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet that will keep your immune system strong. Simply substitute recipes calling for traditional pasta with the whole wheat variety instead for a delicious and nutritious twist on your favorite pasta dishes.
Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: http://www.hgh-facts.com
flu, Flu / Colds, food, health, nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, super foodsPopularity: 4%
by: Michael Colucci
The bird flu virus is supposed to be really affecting the birds only. However, because of the nature of flu viruses that can be able to mutate and transfer from one species to the other. The bird flu virus that has been killing birds has now been affecting humans as well.
The good news is that bird flu virus has only killed few humans as of the moment. That’s why health officials are working overtime to prevent bird flu from becoming an outbreak. How the virus works on humans is still a complete wonder. There are still more and more studies undertaken to fully understand this virus.
What is known however is that there are 15 types of avian flu virus that affects birds. That’s why birds also have running noses as well, only theirs is a running beak (corny). The current outbreak of bird flu is caused by the H5N1 strain. This strain is very contagious and can cause rapid fatalities. This strain, unlike the others, can be transmitted to humans, which makes it deadlier.
Remember the SARS scare we experienced years back? Compared to Bird Flu, SARS is just an ordinary cold. Their symptoms are similar but the virus that causes them is completely different. SARS is also less contagious because the person infected can just be isolated.
There could be low pathogenic virus or high pathogenic virus that can affect birds. The low pathogenic virus can affect birds in minor ways only. Ruffled feathers and reduced egg production are some. Highly pathogenic virus cause severe diseases such as respiratory diseases. In domestic birds, when the symptoms appear, they die the same day.
Other symptoms of the bird flu on birds are: loss of appetite, nervousness like chicken little, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, and depression. Yes, birds do get depressed and they might end up being suicidal, drinking your Prozac.
Just as in the birds, the highly pathogenic forms are the ones that greatly affect the humans as well. These highly pathogenic forms are what cause deaths in humans as well.
The incubation period of the bird flu on humans is still not yet known clearly. The ill effects might develop one to five days from exposure to the virus.
Sometimes, the only indication that a person has been infected is an eye infection or conjunctivitis. However, having conjunctivitis, you might only think that it’s ordinary sore eyes.
Then other symptoms that are common to flu are also developed. That’s why it really is hard to know that the person has been affected by the virus. Other symptoms include, cough, fever, and sore throat.
It will then develop to life threatening complications that include viral pneumonia, and respiratory failure and distress.
That’s why health officials and scientist are scrambling for ways to just make ways to prevent outbreaks. Because they would not want a person to have misconceptions that he or she only has ordinary flu, but is the already life-threatening bird flu.
About The Author
Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.
Flu / ColdsPopularity: 3%
by: Michael Colucci
The bird flu virus has been scaring the wits out of health officials for the past couple of years. The first H5N1 strain developed way back during 1997 at Hong Kong. The first development wasn’t given much of a concern.
Eventually the virus popped back out during 2003. It has first greatly affected a whole number of birds. The birds that became infected died really fast after showing signs of symptoms. The virus also spread quickly towards other flocks as well, causing them to die to.
The people who have had lots of exposure with this infected domesticated birds, naturally became the first human casualties. In fact, the infected have reached 140 in five years time in the Far eats. Eventually killing more than 50 people infected.
What is scaring the scientists now are the recent developments of the bird flu in Turkey. They fear that the virus may have already mutated and the transmission from one human to the other has now been possible. This is because in the span of a week, 15 people were reported to be infected already.
That development definitely scared the officials in Europe. It should also be causing major concern to other countries as well. Neighboring countries are becoming stricter on trucks that are coming from Turkey. The vehicles that pass by are being sprayed with disinfectant.
France has already released a budget to buy vaccines, antiviral and face masks.
However all these preparation being done may still not be that be helpful. The best way to prevent the pandemic from happening is to learn how to isolate the infected area. This is important because the virus may still escape via a human transport or a bird that may cause more contamination.
To calm people down, the number of 15 within a week is not much for concern. If the number reaches more than a 100, it shall be a cause for concern.
There are also many critics about the current medication available to help against bird flu. They say that the medication may not really be helpful and stockpiling it is just a waste of money.
The vaccine as of now may still be imperfect, but it does help a person a better chance to get through with the flu.
As of the moment, since we have no idea if this virus could become the next pandemic or just a big bust. What’s important is that we try to live a healthier lifestyle. Maybe that’s what this virus is all about anyway. It’s just telling us that maybe we should change our lifestyle into a healthier one.
About The Author
Michael Colucci is a technical writer for http://www.bird-flu-facts.org - A free site that offers facts on the history, prevention, vaccines and more on the Bird Flu Virus.
Flu / ColdsPopularity: 2%