Most of us love the change of seasons, and if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, chances are you are enjoying the cool autumn air and the lovely shades of gold and auburn taking over the landscape.
Undoubtedly, you can’t help but notice the widespread media coverage on the dangers of the “flu season”, especially now with the ongoing swine flu pandemic, urging everyone to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. Local pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals are pitching the flu shot as the only and best solution to prevent infection. But there is no mention of the ONE most important thing you can do to stay healthy during flu season, and it has to do with having a strong immune system.
Shhhh… This Subject is a Big Taboo…
It seems that any relevant discussion about the state of your immunity is a huge taboo, and this most critical component of health is NEVER discussed. But what if I told you that getting vaccinated could actually INCREASE your chances of catching the flu? If you asked my mother, she would wholeheartedly agree with this statement because that’s exactly what happened to her.
My mother and I are very close, and we often have conversations about different topics, including health issues. Of course, it is one of my priorities to stay on top of everything she does to stay healthy, and thankfully, she is incredibly healthy and looks (and acts) many years younger than her age.
A couple of years ago she called me on her way back from the supermarket where a lady in a booth convinced her to take the seasonal flu shot. I was very disturbed by this, not only because it is so unethical to prey on the elderly with scare tactics about the flu, but also because I knew that these shots are toxic and actually may do more harm than good.
Sure enough, approximately 10 days later, my mother fell ill with a terrible flu and was in bed for more than a week, with high fever and an awful chest cough. She had to take antibiotics and the cough lasted a few weeks until fortunately it all cleared up. Now bear in mind that my mother had never caught the flu for at least the last 20 years, and that one time when she actually got vaccinated, she suffered the worst flu case she could remember.
Can the Flu Shot do More Harm than Good?
Because I want to help you stay healthy – as our bone health more often than not reflects our overall health – I will go over the myths and the scientific truths about the flu and the flu shots. With this information in hand, you’ll have the tools to make an educated decision about getting the flu shot or not. So let’s get started with…
Myth # 1: The flu needlessly claims tens of thousands of lives every year
The truth: In order to convince you to take the flu shot, your doctor might try to scare you saying that influenza is the most frequent cause of death from vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. Your health practitioner is most probably using the information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claiming that from 1990 through 1998, an average of 36,000 flu-related pulmonary and circulatory deaths occurred each season in the United States.
What the CDC fails to disclose is that there is no way of knowing how many people who died from underlying respiratory and circulatory problems actually had the influenza infection. Records simply do not disclose that information, making this an inaccurate number of deaths related to the flu and a monumental scare tactic.
Myth # 2: Getting the flu shot protects you from catching the flu
The truth: Scientists agree that what gets you sick is not the actual virus but the condition of your immune system. In other words, a weak immune system is what may let you catch the flu.
As in my mother’s case, many people catch the flu after getting vaccinated. How can that be? The common sense answer is that vaccines actually compromise the immune system. In other words, the flu shot keeps the immune system “busy” fighting what most of the time ends up being the wrong type of viruses.
The sad truth rarely mentioned in the mainstream media and by health practitioners is that the vaccines are manufactured one year in advance. So, aided by researchers, vaccine manufacturers have to guess one year in advance which viruses will strike the next flu season. That is why more often than not, the flu outbreaks involve strains that do not match the current flu shot (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/96913.php). But the public is not informed of this mishap… Even so (and against all logic), the CDC still maintains that the shot could provide cross-protection against the new variant.
Myth # 3: Flu shots contain safe ingredients
The truth: Flu shots have many toxic and potentially dangerous chemicals. Because the virus strains are bred in eggs, sheep guts, monkey brains or fetal diploid tissue, manufacturers have to use potent preservatives to prevent bacteria or fungus from contaminating the vaccine. Most of the preservatives used are known to be toxic and some are even recognized carcinogens listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, some flu shots contain live “attenuated” viruses, capable of actually causing side-effects identical to the flu.
Would You Put these Toxic Chemicals in Your Body?
I randomly chose two popular flu shots and came up with a scary list of stabilizers and preservatives used in them. Antibiotics also act as preservatives in the shots, and I marked them with an asterisk (*).
Below are the brand names and the preservatives used in each:
Fluvirin by Medeva Pharmaceuticals
Contains influenza virus, neomycin*, polymyxin*, beta-propiolactone, chick embryonic fluid.
Beta-propiolactone is a potent and toxic disinfectant used to sterilize blood plasma, shots, tissue grafts, surgical instruments, and enzymes. It is also “reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen”, especially when injected into the bloodstream (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1999).
Flushield by Wyeth-Ayerst
Contains trivalent influenza virus, types A&B gentamicin sulphate*, formaldehyde, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80), chick embryonic fluid.
Formaldehyde: please refer to Formalin.
Thimerosal is a mercury derivative and a highly toxic heavy metal that attacks every organ and system in the body. Thimerosal is made of thiosalicylic acid and a form of mercury called ethyl mercury. When all is said and done, mercury is 49.59% of the weight of thimerosal. Researchers have confirmed that it’s unsafe to touch or swallow the mercury from a broken thermometer, yet health practitioners recommend that you inject the same poison directly into your body through a shot. Additionally, some studies have linked high levels of mercury to Alzheimer’s disease. Thimerosal is a registered pesticide with the Department of Pesticide Registration of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Polysorbate 80 (also known as Tween 80): Generally contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, it has been shown to have estrogenic alterative effects and cause reproductive disturbances in rats.
The Baffling Shot Paradox
If vaccinations are really effective, then those who choose to get the flu shot should be immune to the disease. So why is there such a strong push to vaccinate as many people as possible? Aren’t those who get the shot protected anyways? And if this is true, we should ask doctors why, as statistics show, only 40% of health practitioners take the shot while practically 100% of doctors recommend the flu shot to their patients. Maybe they know something we don’t…until now.
Breaking News: Six Canadian Provinces Halt Flu Vaccinations
In an unprecedented move, the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia have stopped their seasonal flu vaccinations, as reported in The Globe and Mail on 9/29/2009 (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/more-flu-programs-suspended/article1304958/). This is due to a controversial yet unpublished study indicating that those who took the flu shot were twice as likely to catch the swine flu.
Quoting from the article, “For those people still on the fence, this could very easily put them into the no-vaccine side of things,” said Donald Low, chief microbiologist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital.” And Ethan Rubinstein, head of adult infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba, agreed that the study “complicates” the situation, evidently not aware of the clear indication that shots actually distract the immune system and thus, greatly impair the ability to fight a full-fledged viral attack.
Ten Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System
The human body is fully equipped with mechanisms to stave off viruses and germs, so the key to preventing flu viruses is to maintain those systems operating at their peak. The good news is that you can strengthen your immune system with natural supplements, beneficial immune-specific foods, and by paying attention to a few simple lifestyle habits.
So whether you decide to get vaccinated or not, here are ten suggestions to naturally boost your immune system.
1. Vitamin D
We all know that flu season hits in the winter, when – especially in cold climates – we typically get very little or no sun exposure. You might be surprised to know that we carry a variety of influenza viruses throughout the year, so something must happen in the winter. Realizing this, researches searched for the connection, and found a strong correlation between Vitamin D levels and immunity (Source: Cannell et.al., On the Epidemiology of Influenza. Virology Journal, 2008;5:29). Good levels of Vitamin D are crucial to help you fight against viruses and to keep you healthy year round. Make sure you take at least 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 during the winter, regardless of sun exposure.
2. Aloe Vera
This multi-tasking plant believed to originate in Northern Africa, has long and thick leaves that contain a liquid gel, rich in valuable nutrients. Among other things, aloe gel contains high amounts of a long chain sugar called mucopolysaccharides which boost the immune modulators to fight off viruses and bacteria. They also penetrate all cell membranes and increase their fluidity and permeability, allowing toxins to flow out of the cell and nutrients to enter the cells. Drink 2 to 4 oz. of Aloe Vera juice, preferably cold-processed.
3. Mushroom Extracts (Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake)
these mushrooms have excellent immune-boosting properties. Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of lentinan, a polysaccharide that increases T-cell function and can be used for cooking. Reishi mushrooms contain immunologically active polysaccharides, mainly beta-D-glucan, that have potent immune-stimulating qualities. Maitake mushrooms are delicious and rich in a potent immune stimulant that enhances the activity of key immune cells. Try to incorporate these mushrooms in your daily menu and during the winter, take mushroom extract supplements.
4. Reduce Your Sugar Consumption
Table sugar and high fructose corn syrup raise your blood insulin levels, which in turn decreases the release of growth hormone and weakens your immune system. Glucose also competes with Vitamin C needed by white blood cells to kill viruses and bacteria. Scientific studies have shown that consuming 100 grams of sugar reduces the immune function by 50 percent within an hour. To give you an idea of what this measurement means, a level teaspoon of white sugar is 5 grams and about 20 teaspoons of sugar would amount to 100 grams. Sounds like a lot? Let’s do the math: one can of soda has the equivalent of 9 teaspoons of sugar, and a 20 oz. bottle of regular soda has the equivalent of 15 teaspoons. Stay away from foods or drinks that contain large amounts of sugar and instead, whenever possible, use stevia, a natural plant-derived sweetener.
5. Vitamin C
The “Old Faithful” of antioxidants, Vitamin C plays an important role in the prevention of colds and the flu. A study involving marathon runners, skiers and soldiers training in the Arctic showed that taking an average of 625 mg of Vitamin C a day decreased the incidence of colds by 50% (Source: Douglas RM, Hemila H, D’Souza R, Chalker EB, Treacy B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004). Take 500 mg. of Vitamin C a day throughout the entire year to keep your immune system at optimum levels.
6. Garlic
This delicious culinary ingredient has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, and has long been used to fight off and prevent colds and infections. The active ingredient is allicin, and it is present in both raw and cooked garlic. Try to eat two garlic cloves a day, and if you don’t want to have “garlic breath”, add two crushed cloves to your favorite recipe or take a garlic supplement.
7. Probiotics
Friendly intestinal bacteria play a key role in keeping the immune system functioning at optimal levels. They compete with pathogens for cellular nutrients, thereby inhibiting the “invader’s” growth. One type of probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, prevents allergens and pathogens from entering the bloodstream. An article published in Nutrition Research (2001) shows that taking L. rhamnosus results in increased levels of leucocyte phagocytosis, a marker of immune activity. My recommendation: eat at least 8 oz. of unsweetened plain yogurt each day as a natural source of probiotics. You can use stevia or honey as a sweetener, and sprinkle with granola for crunch. If you have taken antibiotics in the past, you should take a supplement for at least six months to bring your intestinal flora up to par, and then continue with the yogurt.
8. Zinc
This essential yet often ignored trace element helps support the immune system. A study in men and women aged 65 and over found that taking 25 mg/day of zinc a day for only three months increased levels of circulating immune cells known as CD4 T and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (Source: Fortes C, Forastiere F, Agabiti N, et al. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population. Journal of the American Geriatric Society. 1998). Make sure you take 25 mg. of zinc every day year-round, as it is also very important to your bone health. Chelated zinc is the best and most absorb-able form.
9. Vitamin E
This potent antioxidant is made up of four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) and four tocotrienols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-). However, alpha-tocopherol is the most commonly form of vitamin E found in the blood and tissues. In fact, even though the main function of Vitamin E is that of an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol in particular appears to have a beneficial effect on the molecules and enzymes in immune cells. Scientific studies show that as little as 200 IU of alpha-tocopherol can significantly increase immunity against a variety of respiratory infections (Source: Meydani SN, Leka LS, Fine BC, et al. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004). Since the flu typically attacks the respiratory tract, it is wise to take at least 200 IU of Vitamin E, and make sure that your supplement has alpha-tocopherol in it, should you decide to take a mixed tocopherol formula, which is also fine.
10. Rest
It’s especially important during the cold and flu season to keep from getting run down. Try to get at least 6 hours of quality sleep a night. Here’s one hint: if you are physically active during the day, you’ll be tired at bedtime. So avoid long hours of inactivity and keep moving as much as possible.
Do you have any flu shot stories you’d like to share? Join the conversation and share them with the community below.
I am commenting on vaccines and bone loss medications.
I work in the health profession. I had been vaccinated for hepatitis B back in 1989 with a series of three shots. I had no problems with those shots. Then in 1998 the health clinic at work tells me I need to start the series of three shots again since my bloodwork showed I was now nonimmune. Within a half an hour after receiving the first hepatitis B shot, both my feet started itching. By mid week I had vasculitis in both feet. Needless to say, I was out of work for at least a couple of weeks if not more. A few years later I developed some kind of autoimmune problem. I now have raynauds in my hands and my fingers are always swollen. A rheumatoid physician said the raynauds could be related to some type of connective tissue autoimmune problem. I am certain this is all linked to that one hepatitis B shot, a vaccine. I will never volunarily get another vaccine, including the flu vaccine. It is too risky from the toxic additives in them. If work makes it mandatory to take the flu shot, then I will quit. My health is too important.
I have osteopenia, a precurser to osteoporosis. I was diagnosed maybe 5 years ago. After my first dexa scan, my doctor suggested I take Fosax with increasing my calcium intake. I did’nt take the Fosax the first year, but when the third year came around and after my dexa scan again showed my osteopenia worsening, I gave in, even though I had read about bad side affects from Fosmax. I decided to quit the drug after about 7 months. I needed a tooth extraction, and this is when I again started reading about possible side affects from Fosmax. Their was a chance I could develop osteonecrosis of the jaw after a tooth extraction. Luckily, I did’nt develop the jaw necrosis, but the possibility scared me to the point of quitting Fosax altogether. Although my next bone density showed improvement, and my next two did not, I will continue to look for alternatives like what Vivian Goldschmidt suggests in her book “The Bone Health Revolution.” I agree, that what we eat and drink directly affects our bones and all systems of our bodies.
So there are other alternatives to health other than what the mainstream medical field tells us. And it us up to each of us to take charge of ourselves.
I love your conclusion, Kathy!
Hi Vivian,
I enjoy reading your e-mails. I thought I would share what happened to me after a flu shot.
About a week after the shot my hands and feet went numb as well as parts of my legs and torso. My face fell (on both sides) and I thought I had Bells Palsy. The doctors ran every test they could think of and finally came up with the idea that it was an allergic reaction to the flu shot and warned me to never have one again. They also said some people never fully recover from this type of reaction. Luckily, I did recover with only a little sagging around my eyes (I am 63 years old, so this could just be me noticing my age at last – Ha Ha).
My mom was in a nursing home for several years before she passed away. They insisted she have a flu shot every year as germs spread quickly in that type of building just like in hospitals. Luckily she never had a reaction, but your article makes me wonder if any of the seniors living there had a reaction and it was passed off as something else.
Anyway, that is my story.
Your article mentions Viatamin C for cold prevention and I always gave this to my family in the winter season. My kids missed very little school and my oldest son now has a job that requires travel to Europe. He swears by vitamin C and takes it all year long.
Thanks, again, for the great articles. You have really opened my eyes to staying healthy.
Wow !!!!!!!! you are not telling us not to get the flu shot.. never ever had one…. yes… keep up a good immune system… Canada is smart….. thanks for the info…. if they want the shot … get it.
Debbie………. Texas
WOW !!! You are not telling us not to get the jab… just giving us info. Never had a flu shot ever…. yes .. take care of your immune system….. common sense. Thanks for your info.
Debbie….. Texas
Thank you so much for the information.
May the Lord bless you for the work that you do
to help others.
Dear Vivian,
Thank you very much for the info about flu vaccine. I totally aggree that building immune system is the best way to ward off diseases/infections.
God bless you.
I am thinking about not taking the flu shot. At this time even if I wanted to I be afraid. all folks around me already have something and like I read earlier you get the shot and get around someone and catch something before the shot get into effect. I get slight system of the stuff but fight it off. I am staying busy at trying to eat right and keep hands clean. I appreciate the info and just the folks i know being sick does not leave a chance of doing anything but trying to stay healthy. I seen my brother take the shot one year and he was so sick if was awful. i have never had trouble with the shot but this is interesting and thinking i will take the chance to test out the no shot unless something happens. At least i know i will not be the first. I appreciate the info.
Extremely informative article which everyone should read if they were on the fence about subjecting themselves or their children to this procedure.
Thank you for the information on Flu Shots.
My husband use to take flu shots, and got sick
within a few days each time. He was told by
his Dr., that it was a co-incidence. However,
he does not get them anymore.
I have never taken a flu shot, and am very
leary of taking the H1N1 also. I will heed
your advice on keeping my immune system up to
speed to stay healthy.
Your statements reflect my life experiences exactly. About 5 years ago I was working for a large organization that pushed “free” flu shots for everyone. Because I was in a very visible position within the organization I did not want to be uncooperative. Even though my one other experience with a flu shot about 5 years prior had produced the same negative results that your mom experienced I still took the “free” shot. Yes about two weeks later I was flat on my back and taking all kinds of drugs that I had never needed before. So PLEASE continue to tell people to boost their immune systems with quality food and supplements along with all of the sleep they can possibly squeeze into their schedules. Wash their hands and forget about these dangerous flu shots. Thanks for all you do to keep us healthy, Anne
You recommend a calcium product that has 1000 mg of calcium. I understood that you can’t absorb more than 500 at a time. please explain.
Hi Kathy,
The calcium with magnesium and zinc has 1000 mg. of calcium in three (3) tablets, not in one tablet.
Thanks for the info on the flu shot. I am asthmatic and my doctor saves a flu shot for me every year because she condsiders me high risk. I have recently been placed on a high vitamin D supplement (50,000 mg weekly) due to a very low level of vitamin D shown up in a blood test. Between the vitamin D and other supplements I take, I’ve been on a high fiber diet and now read the ingredients listed on the labels of the food that I buy and avoid anything that may compromise my health. This has greatly reduced gastrointestinal problems that have plagued me most of my life. I have jotted down the information you provided on supplements to take rather than getting the shot. I have not gotten the shot yet and am perplexed as to what I should do. I am a snow bird and will be leaving in two weeks for Florida. Last year I got the shot and, while many of my neighbors and those in my area did get the flu, I did not. I’ll have to give this one some thought, as I am just getting over a respiratory infection and feel that because my immune system is easily compromised, I must be extra careful as to preventive medicine vs. the natural alternative.
Your comments about the H1N1 vaccine have greatly disturbed me. I have researched this information since the onset of this new strain in April ’09.
I am a Registered Nurse, and I believe your letter could target some people whose lives may be at risk should they opt not to take this flu vaccine, which has been acclaimed by the CDC as being a “perfect match for the currently circulating strain of influenza.”
I realize that every year there is a hazardous “guess” involved with seasonal flu vaccines; however, this particular vaccine has far reaching potential to prevent a widespread epidemic if enough people become vaccinated.
A compromised immune system (when the body is actively manufacturing antibodies to fight off a flu strain) is, in my opinion, a far better risk than a full-blown asthmatic or cardiac patient contracting this strain of flu, which could lead to their ultimate death from the primary or secondary infections.
I believe, in your mother’s case, that she was obviously exposed to another virus strain OR: Either that or her particular immune system did not make sufficient antibodies to fight off whatever infection she contracted. In addition, since the flu vaccines contain dead viruses, she cannot get the flu from the actual vaccine; however, should she have been exposed to an active case of that influenza during the interim period of 10 days to two weeks when antibody formation is taking place, then she obviously could have gotten the flu anyway.
Please reconsider your post; there are elderly people and children who may consider that this vaccine is dangerous. I think there are human lives here that should not be challenged by an “opinion” you offer, which does not match mainstream America, the CDC, WHO, or the Dept of Health and Human Services.
Thanks for your consideration of this email. I have appreciated all of your other information about osteoporosis, by the way.
Kathy Price, RN, OCC-HN
I have done a great deal of research on vaccines in general including flu. As a result, I will NEVER voluntarily get ANY vaccine. All you have to do is follow the money. It’s a multi-billion dollar enterprise for the vaccine manufacturers.
Hi Kathy,
The post is on the seasonal flu vaccine, not on the H1N1 vaccine.
Thank you for this great information. I did go for years and not get the flu shot but then, for some reason, started believing all the hype and began getting them each year. I had already decided not to get the swine flu shot but I also think I will skip the regular flu shot as well. Deep down, I know the immune system is the key and will work harder at keeping my immune system operating optimally. Thanks again for great information.
Never recommend Coated Caplets.
T
hey do not absorb properly, especially some one with digestive problems.
I had the flu shots with mild reaction.
Thanks for your advise. I’ll follow your suggestions.
Keep your good work !!!!!!!
Nuria
Hi Vivian,
This is the 2nd time recently that I clicked on your link for the article, and was shifted to the page where it was supposed to be, and no article at all. There were comments after, but I missed the whole article itself. This is extremely annoying, and certainly not helpful.
I have had the same problem every time I click on a web link to read an article. The web page goes blank before I can read anything, and I get very frustrated.
The same thing happened to me and it is frustrating. I quickly highlighted the article and then copy and paste to a blank document and I can read it from there. I hope this helps, meanwhile I’m hoping they fix the problem on their website.
I take altenolol and hydrochlorothiazide, zyrtec; how do I know what of these items would not work with those meds?? I have a very super sensitive system and I have to really be careful what I take?? Can u reccomend a good daily vitamin that would incorporate most of these?? I take the above meds for hi blood pressure.
Thanks. Barbara
thank you so much for the information on the ingredients in the flu shot. No medical doctor or pharmacist would ever tell us these toxic ingredients were in the flu shot.
Please remove my name from your e-mail list. Thank you.
Thank you for posting this info Vivian. I have never had a flu shot in my life and do not plan to. My mother had the same thing happen to her that your mother experienced. I take all the vitamins you mention and I have not had the flu in many many years.
Thank you for sharing this side of the flu shot. To have or not to have?
Best Regards, Celestina Marie
Thanks for the info on flu vaccine, and the helpful info on keeping our immune systems strong. I am 52 years old and, the one and only time I got a flu shot a few years ago it was being given to parent & child at my son’s pediatrician’s office. Not being allergic to eggs, I figured the shot would be okay. Quite soon after the injection, I had the sensation of prickly hairs all over my tongue, and my throat felt like there was something in it. This apparent allergic reaction lasted for about a half hour and it was a little scary as I drove us home. I just kept sipping water, tried to stay calm and took some liquid Benadryl the minute I got home. I believe I had a mild allergic reaction and I will not take the shot again, nor let them give it to my son. Since I still eat eggs, I believe it was something other than egg allergy that caused my reaction, but it was definitely a mild allergy to one or more of the ingredients. Keeping my own immune system strong plus using good hygiene practices at home and in public places makes the most sense to me. Thanks.
Thanks for the article on the flu shot. Most people seem to think flu shots are wonderful things, but the flu shot can actually cause a lot of health problems. Unfortunately, I now work in the health care field and flu vaccinations are mandatory – we either get the flu shot or get fired! I’m sure that soon the swine flu vaccine will also be forced upon us.
Hopefully the 2009 swine flu vaccine won’t cause the problems that the vaccine caused in the 1970s.
I also hope the same. In the 1970’s more people got sick from the swine flu shot than from the virus. Let’s all remember this…
Thanks Vivian.
Just to support your claims, I am 39 years old, never had a flu shot in my life, and never had any problems with the flu season. My dad, who would be 82, never had a flu shot in his late years and he never had a problem: what’s the secret? As you mention, a diet loaded with Vitamin C, E, D, lots of garlic and onions (the Chinese have been using both of these as remedies since antiquity!!)
Say no to artificial protection. IN NATURA VERITAS!!
It is very helpful to be able to read about the downside of flu jabs, as my instinct told me they were not the solution. The difference with you , Vivienne, is that you always qualify your comments against certain productslike flu vaccines or Fosamax. You always follow with a healthier alternative. Therefore you do not scare monger. Thank you.
WOW!! Thanks for the info on the flu shot. It was really an eye opener. I will be sure to use the supplements you suggested
Thank you for the good flu season advice. Have copied it all down and will look for some of these products. Although I do include many of the foods now. Cannot find Aloe vera “juice”. Would this be found at a natural food store?
The only time I had the seasonal flu was when I was in my forties, mother of three, and working. Had all the symptoms of your mother and missed work for a week. When I became 60 (now 72 ), I decided to take the vaccine and have had no “flu” since. I have maybe one cold a year and hopefully that’s a sign of a decent immune system.
Look forward to your helpful articles.
Walmart’s carries aloe juice – quite a bit cheaper then health food stores…hope this helps…
sandy – texas
Thank you for the info. I am a senior and have never taken the flu shot and don’t intend to. When are the doctors going to wake up and quit pushing the shots? Guess they want us sick so they can stay in business?
I had already decided not to take the flu shot this year before reading Vivian’s message. Twice before I have had a bad bout of flu not long after receiving the flu shot. I’m sure this is not a coincidence.
So now to boost the immune system!
Thanks for the info re: flu shots. I was debating on getting the shots; now I will certainly forego them.
Hi Vivian. Thank you for your informative article. I normally get the flu shot because I work in a school and thought I should be well-armed against the germs found in a large institution. I did not get the flu after having the shot but I used to get it before taking the shot. This led me to believe that the shot was helping prevent the flu. Be that as it may, I still will re-think it because of the toxic ingredients in the shot. Also, I am more aware now, thanks to you, of the value of nutrition and supplements as a natural way to maintain health. You mentioned aloe juice; I take mangosteen juice. Have you heard of that as being good for your immune system?
Thank you again for your research and valuable information,
Eva
Thank you for the information, Vivian. As always, it is sincerely appreciated.
Hi Vivian!
Thanks for the valuable information!I totally agree with you.
Kind regards
demi
I get a flu shot every year, and I have been healthier than before. I have not even had a cold. I thought that was a good thing. Maybe not. Now I don’t know. What to do? What to do?
Hi Gail,
My answer to you is: “knowledge IS power”.
Gail
you thought that was a good thing….it IS a good thing….there is a saying “If it works….don’t fix it.” I’m an RN and have been getting flu shots for the past 16 years with NO side effects…and also I have NOT had the flu since taking flu shots. As an RN I work around germs constantly. Prior to getting flu shots I got the flu several times. I,for one, believe that whatever works for you… than continue doing what your doing……
Hi Vivian
Many thanks for the flu vaccine info. l don’t really know what l think about it all. l have had the flu proper at least twice when l was younger and know just how awful it can be. So when me moved here 6 years ago l thought l would have the jab. The first two were fine, no reaction but the one l had last year made me feel very ill indeed. It wasn’t flu but almost. This year l am giving it a miss and hoping for the best. l will certainly try to follow your advice on supplements.
Kindest regards to you all in sunny Florida.
I am against having the flu vaccination, and instead, autumn and spring, I take a course of Echinacea, and hope for the best.
Good health everyone. I hope you have a flu free winter.x :o)
Hi Vivian
Thankyou for pointing out why we shouldn’t get the Flu shot.
I will not be getting it again, as it alway’s gives me a cold, then a few months later, I get a really bad head cold along with a virus, my whole body is in pain & it last’s for five to six weeks, it is so bad I have to lay low as it makes me so week, this last season I went through mega tissues, three boxes a week of 200 a box, I am normaly very active & it floored me.
Many thanks
Maxine
Hi Maxine,
Great! You’ll stay healthy and save trees 🙂
Three years ago whilst looking after my partner who had cancer, I was advided I should take the flu jab to prevent me from contracting flu and passing it on to him. I did have the jab and it was the first time I had taken it. That year I had flu really badly and could not shake it off for several weeks. After five weeks of thinking I was getting over it, only to find it was still with me and coming back with a vengence, I was very poorly and it was at least two months before I felt that I was getting back to normal. I have refused the jab ever since and even though of an age now when it is offerred as a matter of course, I will still not have it. Prior to having the jab I would get flu some winters but after two or three days would shake it off and within a week be back to normal.
I totally agree with you. When the flu shot came out, I was working in Toronto. Of a staff of about 25 I was the only one who DID NOT get the shot. I was the only who wasn’t sick that winter. Later on I worked in a hospital where we were threatened with no sick pay if we didn’t receive the shot. Again I said no and did not get the flu. Keep up the good work!!
I have been getting the flu vaccine for several years now but after reading this information, I am up in the air about getting it. Thank you so much for sharing this information with me.
Dear Vivian:
Your flu material presentation is exceptionally remarkable with in depth knowledge of various chemical and nut-
ritional information to treat and main-
tain a good immune system. Do you have a
background in nutrition or chemistry? You
are indeed very helpful to us receiving your
email. I believed that you have a compassionate
heart for the well-being of people. I truly
admire your deep passion for a healthy living.
Accept my zillion thanks for your precious time
invested for the benefit of others.
Hi Vivien,
You have done it again. Many, Many thanks for the information and many thank you’s for caring about the rest of the world.
Keep up the good work, we need you and your dedication.
Kurt Bauer.
I had a flu shot a few years ago; being a teacher I was told it was a sensible/responsible thing to do. Two days later I became very ill with the flu. My doctor told me this was just a coincidence, that I had the flu virus already when receiving the shot.
I skipped a few years and was fine; then I was talked into having the flu shot again as we were expecting a very nasty fly season. Guess what?! I became very ill again! ‘Coincidence’? According to my doctor, yes. What a ‘coincidence’ that the same happened to my in-laws at the same time!
Flu shots – NO THANKS!
DON’T DO IT! I had a flu shot many years ago. I ended up being allergic to the albumin (egg white) in the vaccine. It made me soooo sick that I was hospitalized for 3 days. I had never had the flu before I got the shot; nor have I had it since then. Just DON’T DO IT! Use natural immune system boosters. The stuff in these injections is highly questionable. I’d have rather contacted the flu than to have gone through what I did – not to mention what it cost me!
Quote.
‘Sure enough, approximately 10 days later, my mother fell ill with a terrible flu’ un quote.
The flu injection takes a couple of weeks for your body to build up immunity to the flu from the minute amount of totally dead flu virus you are injected with, it is unable to protect you from that virus until the immunity takes effect, so any fly you are already coming down with, you will still get.
I hope you print this factual comment. Too many people blame the flue vaccine for giving them the flu when in fact it can not and does not. Occasionally there is a small similar to a flu reaction as the body develops it’s immunity, in a few people and this is not the flu, its the body’s immune system reaction and it is half or less as severe as the flue would have been to that person.
Don’t scare people who are at high risk should they catch the flu, from having the immunisation. My husband and I , both at high risk are proud to have been immunized against the flu.
This sort of scare mongering makes me questionnow, your anti drugs for osteoporosis which up until this moment I have been agreeing with and refusing medication.
Kathy
I have been getting your info about building the bones and refusing Fosomax………..trying to decide what to take as suppliments. Not sure I agree with you for the flu shots. With all the advertising of suppliments and anti this and that, also wonder about the bone health. I just don’t know.
Vivian has citations to the research to back up what she is saying. She is not promoting her own line of products, but rather making it easier for you to find them.I appreciate the information, and can always choose to buy these at a local vitamin store.
Why is Canada stopping the flu shots? Why does Merck have millions of dollars to spend on lawsuits currently underway? Read the facts. I appreciate the work that Vivian continues to do to spread the word about good health….the natural way.
Perhaps whatever you came down with that you had previously been exposed to, your body would have fought off in the event that you had NOT gotten the vaccine. Once you get the vaccine, your immune system is compromised and now you cannot fight off what is already brewing; hence, one can become sick even before the two weeks required for the flu vaccine to take effect. Read the literature a little more carefully. Then you will understand.
Hi Kathy,
Your argument proves exactly what I and many others are trying to point out: that the flu vaccine actually weakens the immune system. Since we are ALWAYS exposed to viruses and bacteria, once the immune system is “busy” fighting an artificially injected substance, it becomes more susceptible to catch what’s going around in the air. This also explains why the Canadian study shows that those who get vaccinated against the seasonal flu are more likely to catch the swine flu. Either way, we should be thankful that we are free to make our own decisions about taking the flu shot or not.
YES VIVIAN YOU ARE SO RIGHT WHY WOULD ANY SANE PERSON WANT TO INJECT THAT STUFF INTO YOUR BODY.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK—JONSIG
Too many of us are pushed into these things all in the cause of boosting the profits of drug companies or should I say drug/fertilizer companies. You can’t beat a good old healthy life style by just following a few sensible rules in taking care of oneself.
Too many of us are pushed into these things all in the cause of boosting the profits of drug companies or should I say drug/fertilizer companies. You can’t beat a good old healthy life style by just following a few rules sensible in taking care of oneself.
If your mother had the flu, why did she take antibiotics? It is my understanding that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral, and the flu is a virus. I’m sure you could tell us much about the overuse of antibiotics, thus rendering them ineffective when they’re really needed.
I don’t get a flu shot, because viruses (or virii) mutate so fast, I couldn’t be sure that by the time the medication got to me, the strain for which it was developed wouldn’t have already mutated, thus rendering the medication ineffective.
Many thanks for all your knowledge that you so generously share with us.
Hi Suzanne,
You are making an excellent point. Here is what happens: when a person catches a virus, more often than not, he or she ends up also getting a secondary bacterial infection. Therefore, antibiotics are used to cure the bacterial infection, not to fight the virus.
I have always been opposed to vaccinations, including the flu. If I am asked “why not?”, I suggest people take responsibility for themselves and just check all the nasties (especially mercury)they contain and the possibilties of side effects.
Unfortunately when you travel to certain countries, you have to go along with the requirements or your country won’t allow you to return!
The H1N1 vaccine does not contain mercury. Encouraging the vaccination of children will save many lives over the next few years.