It is ever pressing that the darkness of flu season is approaching...children are back in school, they have become the breeding grounds of all illness, convening daily for a ritualistic growing campaign for the ever demonized "flu"...
Last flu season*2013*, one of the "worst ever", (note: doesn't it seem like EVERY year is the "worst ever"...:-\ Don't buy into the hype...), passed seamlessly for my family. My mom and closest friend BOTH got some funky, whammy of a bug. I saw my mom during said "bug", I was unaffected, as well as my infant son and husband...However, I heard a few awful stories of people who died of the "flu" last year. It sounded super scary...it really did....and I am sure, for some, it really was!
Until I looked for information on this...
A. it wasn't always confirmed it was actually the FLU, influenza VIRUS (antibiotics do not work on the true flu, as the flu is viral, and antibiotics work on bacteria, not viruses...if your doctor doesn't check for viral or bacterial, and prescribed you an antibiotic, go with caution. An antibiotic will make things MUCH worse if it is a virus, and either way, will leave your body open to another infection. I believe that antibiotics should really be used in life-threatening situations ONLY, with extreme caution...I have other suggestions in this blog, for immune boosting, healthy alternatives!)...almost every disease presents with some common "flu-like symptoms". Fever, aches, chills, etc...pretty much every disease can fall under that category at some point during the illness...
B. No case history was given of these people's medical history...that's a huge privacy issue. BUT the media labeled them "healthy and young" almost always...but, unless that reported has seen medical records, examined the post mortem body, and is a doctor...oh, and is acquainted with them personally, I highly doubt that "healthy and young" is anything more than an opinion, stated as fact.
C. It was always noted when they didn't receive a flu shot. Emphasis was often placed on this "fact" (which I still think is a violation of HIPPA), and again, just an opinion. Did the reporter know 100% that these deceased didn't get a flu shot? How can they speak with authority on that AND release that information? How about the deaths from the flu, in people who DID receive the flu shot?
D. Personal observation - I had NEVER seen such a push for the flu shot, as I did last year, in all my life. I would go to my local Target, Walmart, Publix (grocery store), etc. and saw posters, signs, stickers on name tags, etc. to stay well - get your flu shot. Multiple signs outside of every pharmacy - GET YOUR FLU SHOTS HERE! It felt like a barrage of flu shot propaganda to stay healthy via injection of toxins and deactivated viruses.
I don't think C. and D. are unrelated...there is a huge push in modern America for vaccines. Even in "unbiased" journalism. Whether or not you are for or against vaccines, is unimportant. The issue I have is the misinformation on the matter, and what can we do instead. And from anecdotal issues, I know MANY people who ended up MUCH sicker for having the shot...a friend who is a hospital volunteer comes to mind - she got her flu shot, didn't know that there were any risks at all, thought it was required... Her asthma flared up to the point she had to go back on to regular steroid use. She became extremely ill for about 4 months - missed weeks of school (and volunteering), lost a bunch of weight (not that she was overweight) due to not eating well and loss of appetite, and just had issue after issue. I talked with her about the illness (no mention of the shot) and she said "I got the flu shot and everything went downhill. Next year I am going to decline because I never want to be this sick again! I have felt awful for months now. I hate being like this!" < maybe this was all a coincidence...maybe not.
Now, here are some stats on the flu shot:
1. It is NOT tested on pregnant women for efficacy (if it will work or not) OR SAFETY!
"Safety and effectiveness of AFLURIA have not been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers" (source: FDA)
"Safety and effectiveness of FluMist Quadrivalent have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers, geriatric adults, or children less than 2 years of age." (source: FDA)
"Safety and effectiveness of FLULAVAL have not been established in pregnant women or nursing mothers." (source: FDA)
Infact, there is an increased risk of miscarriage if you get the flu vaccine while pregnant. Also, if it isn't safe for under six months, how is it safe for a fetus? No, it isn't listed on the package inserts, because they haven't been tested for safety...see where I am going with this?
Find your package insert here if you are curious!
2. The flu shot is about 50% effective according to the CDC...and 1% effective in independent tests...and then that efficacy varies depending on what age group you are in. <2 years old, there is no evidence that the shot is beneficial at all. And it is becoming commonplace to recommend 2 shots a year! If you are over 65, there is no evidence that it is helpful then either...and there have been no efficacy tests on the high dose version, that is always promoted to seniors.
"Data demonstrating a decrease in influenza disease after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose are not available." (source: FDA)
So the high dose, "more effective", vaccine is merely marketed as such, not actually proven to be.
"If an individual has had 5 consecutive flu shots between 1970 and 1980 (the years studied) his/her chances of getting Alzheimer's Disease is 10 times higher than if he/she had one, 2 or no shots. " - Hugh Fudenberg, MD...just stuff to consider...
And while most flu vaccines contain inactivated viruses (note: it is not a dead virus! Viruses aren't technically alive, therefore, cannot die..only be inactivated...) and there is some evidence that dormant, or inactivated viruses can reactivate. It is still under investigation, but it is wise to not jump the gun on injecting viruses.
Here's plenty more from scientific journals about flu vaccine and side effects:
A recent one from British Medical Journal showing the error of injecting flu virus.
Vaccinated are more likely to spread flu in their breath.
Healthy people have died from this vaccine also. You can google that information for yourself :)
OK, so I have harped on a sore issue for a long time...now onto the prevention part!
FLU PREVENTION! (these are all safe while pregnant, under your doctor or midwife's supervision. I took almost all of these at some point while pregnant - using a good brand is important, and this whole post isn't intended to treat or diagnose any illness. Always talk to your healthcare provider, especially when pregnant!)
1. Vit D3 - This study shows that Vit D supplementation helps with flu prevention, specifically in school age children. Personally, since I have started taking Vit D semi-regularly, I have not gotten the flu. Now, you hate pills, or your child doesn't like taking pills or won't/can't, there is a convenient spray option, that actually tastes good! Harvard Health attributes Vit D (and a few other vitamins, including vitamin C) to better health...so overall, it isn't going to hurt to probably take a little extra. You can always have your Vit D. levels tested as well. (also, this is safe while pregnant. I took nearly 10,000 IU's while pregnant! And didn't get sick even once!)
2. Vit C - There is some evidence that Vit C can help kill cancer, it prevents scurvy, and help with a variety of other things. It really is a wonderful thing, especially when sick. Clearly, this is a good idea when you are ill. Here's a good one: Vit C supplement (Also, safe while pregnant in reasonable doses, especially the brand I referenced, because it is in whole food form, not isolate) Vit C is also used in natural whooping cough treatment - and I know many people who have used it successfully, on infants, with no antibiotics. Very safe and effective!
3. Colloidal Silver - this is highly debated. I won't put tons of info on this, but anecdotally, people claim this to be a wonderful option for all sorts of ailments. I don't have any myself, but I wouldn't be opposed to buying it. It is really hard for this to be toxic(really large quantities would have to be ingested), so there isn't much risk...the debate is if there is any benefit. I leave it to you to research this one and make that choice for yourself. (Use caution when pregnant!)
4. Elderberry - Studies show that this is excellent for the immune system. Hands DOWN! The beauty of this little berry is that it is safe for pregnant women (in moderate amounts, as with anything natural or pharmaceutical, just because it is 'safe' doesn't mean it should be consumed in excess...food, in general, is safe too...and water...but excess of either is no longer safe) Sometimes it is made with sugar, honey, or stevia. If you are pregnant, keep in mind, that honey MAY have botulism (super rare, but tread with caution...I ate raw eggs, honey, etc. while pregnant, but it was a risk I knew I was taking...and just because honey is pasteurized, doesn't make it safer than raw honey. Raw honey actually kills botulism...the problem is the spores. They CAN survive in raw honey. So don't feed your infants raw honey is you are worried - infants should only be having breastmilk anyways, till 6 months old(or formula if that is what you use). A developed adult gut can handle the spores, and shouldn't pose a problem....anyways, I digress...) Elderberry is a great, safe way to boost the immune system. It is also easy to make yourself! It doesn't take long, and one batch last me quite a while, and I was able to give some away as well! You can purchase elderberry kits or syrup(if you are local) directly from me, at None of Your Beeswax! You also can buy elderberry syrup, already made, at most drug stores - please try to brew your own, or buy from a local brewer - much better taste and quality.
5. Echinacea - another hotly debated immune helper. There are MANY ways and parts of the plant to take this - tea, capsule, leaves, flower, root, extract, etc. So, finding any TRUE studies comparing this, is hard, because there are so many ways, and different parts, and then there's the subjectivity of the individuals studied, conflicts of interest, etc. Anecdotally, I have used this countless times for colds/flu, even as a small child. My husband and I usually take it via tea (Traditional Medicinals brand). The best part of that is that it tastes good for a medicinal tea, like a minty tea, and it is readily available at Walmart, Publix, Vitamin Shoppe, health food stores, Target, etc. The extract has been shown to be quite potent also. Most health food and natural stores should carry this. You would dilute it in water and drink it quickly. The benefit to the extract is that is gets in your blood stream quickly. Echinacea is so cheap and handy, I always have some in the house, sick or not, just incase. This is also safe while pregnant.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar - Bragg's brand is the best...that needed to be stated first! I have used this for sore throats, UTI's, flu and colds galore! There are many home remedies that use this. I personally find that if I am feeling even slightly under the weather, I drink a glass with about 2 tbsp. of vinegar, some raw honey, a big ole dump of organic cinnamon, and I usually never "get" what was coming... This is again, safe for pregnant women (see the honey blurb in #4 - Echinacea). I used this if I ever felt a sore throat, headache, or "bleh" feeling while pregnant...worked like a charm. I was never actually sick my entire 41 weeks of pregnancy. This is also cheap and useful, so I always have it in the house. It is also readily available through Publix, Walmart, health food stores (if your health food store DOESN'T have this, it is in the wrong category of stores), and I think Target also has it...**Edt: many places now carry raw, organic "with the mother" apple cider vinegar - all the brands I have tried seem to be on par with Bragg's!
7. Essential oils - I use DoTERRA and Mountain Rose Herbs brand. The ones that help with flu symptoms are Oregano, On Guard, Breathe (for congestion mainly), Purify (use it in the air in the "sick rooms"), and Frankincense. There is a lot of debate what is safe to use with infants and children. I have used On Guard, Breathe, and peppermint on Samuel, and "purified" the room he would sleep in before he was in it, even under 6 months old. There is a lot of debate on this one too, so research it yourself. I know dozens of people who have used them safely from birth to old age. It is important to dilute in a safe carrier oil if you choose this route, and know that some EO's cause respiratory issues in infants or children...or CAN cause them would be a better way of putting it. With my family, they have only helped us become healthier, and I just love them...and I really think they have made "natural parenting" so much easier, even with the cost!
Now...what if you already have the "flu", cold or have a fever...what should help with it?
A. Bone broth - you make this from the bones of good animals, in a crock pot, kettle, or the likes, for a very long time. The nourishment comes from the bones, but needs to be cooked a good long while to render that nourishment. The whole idea that chicken soup is good for you while sick is actually true. But the standard chicken soup from the STORE is not the same thing...you need to make your own stock for the benefits, as most commercial stocks do not take this time and effort! One big batch lasts me a LOOONG time! And it is great to cook with too! Here's an easy recipe! (Safe while pregnant)
B. Willow bark - willow bark is wonderful! It is the natural Tylenol in this unnatural world! It is fascinating because it has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, and is wonderful for headaches and fever. Now, it does NOT taste good! It is bitter as all get out...My mom, wonderful natural lady she is, didn't really like many things about Tylenol when we were kids, so she used this for our fevers more often than not.(Turns out, Tylenol is really awful for infants and children...it is bad for adults, but at least we know what we are doing to ourselves, and can properly express what we are feeling.) She would put a good squirt of extract in a little glass, with water, and make us drink it down super quick. Then, she would give us some tasty orange juice to make it worth our while. You can mix the extract in juices or teas if that makes it easier to take down :). I have never had the tea form of willow bark, only capsules or extract. From personal experience, the extract seems to work better on both Daniel and I. I am sure the tea would yield similar results.
(generally safe while pregnant! Certainly safer than the recommended Tylenol!)
(Capsules don't often work as well, because the herb basically has to digest and nutrients to eventually come out, all in the short time it is in your body...and if your body is sick, it may not be sending as much energy to the digestive tract, and therefore, not absorbing as many nutrients...teas and extracts already have a lot of those nutrients readily available, and I think are just more effective at treating these issues. That being said, they don't often taste good...)
C. Essential oils - these help with recovery as well as prevention, see above, #7 :) (mostly safe while pregnant, depending on the oil)D. Wet sock therapy - I have a natural momma friend who SWEARS by this method! Note: I would not do this while pregnant. Changing body temps drastically isn't great to do while pregnant(especially warming up), and would only do this if my midwife approved.
E. Teas - I drink a variety of teas when I am sick...Echinacea tea (see above #5), green tea for its cleansing effects, antioxidants, and mild caffeine (keeps me going to the bathroom and a bit of energy!), chamomile is always wonderful, especially if you are having trouble sleeping or stomach upset. This one has chamomile and lavender, so it is great, especially if you or the child is suffering with anxiety while not feeling well. If making tea makes you stay hydrated by drinking more fluids better, then please do that. (generally safe while pregnant!)
F. Water, water, water! It is so very important to stay hydrated, so as to fuel your body with the means to remove the waste, as well as transport important nutrients through the body. I don't love to drink water when sick, so I typically do "shots" of apple cider vinegar and water, and drink lots of teas, mainly herbal...see above - E. (safe while pregnant)
G. Juice - if you are going to drink juice while sick, it is best that it is fresh juice, meaning, juiced in your house. Ginger is great while sick (strong though, keep that in mind), orange juice is great for you while sick too, because of the vit C and dose of healthy sugars for readily available fuel, but most store bought OJ is so processed and altered, most of the vit C is damaged or reduced, so it is not a good source of Vit C anymore, despite claims on the bottle. Air, light, heat, etc. all change and denature the Vit C, so it is best to have it fresh, and as minimally processed :) Keep in mind, sugar hurts the immune system to some extent, so if you can get your vit C without getting sugar, that is the best course of action. (safe while pregnant)
H. Sleep - this may be the best thing ever while sick...of course, mommas have a hard time with this, when littles are about. SO good luck... If you have no children, and are sick, and able to call out of work, consider yourself blessed and sleep for the rest of us! (safe, and recommended while pregnant :) )
So that is it, I think...if you made it this far, congrats. Sorry if I am long winded in this, and many other blog posts, but I want to be thorough!
Here's to health, wellness, and no flu shots,
Becca H.
P.S. Here is some caution on Tamiflu and why not to use it!
P.P.S my favorite article on fevers and Tylenol.
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