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.
Thank you for the interesting information on the flu shot. As a hospital nurse, I am exposed to many viruses, bacteria, and every type of body fluid. I decline the flu shot my employer encourages us to take each year. I count on divine intervention, rest, exercise, diet and supplements to keep me well. I have not missed a day of work in about a decade. Unfortunately, we are expected to vaccinate all patients who fall into certain high risk groups. These patients are already compromised and we are expected to “distract” their immune systems at a vulnerable time. I do what I can to avoid giving these injections which are ordered per protocol and not for the individual by the MD. I am very suspicious when there are millions of dollars to be made by mass treatments.
There seems to be a contradiction here. While you say that the best source of vitamins/minerals are in the food you eat, you are encouraging no less than 9 supplements right here and that is not including calcium!
Linda,
You might want to read the list again. Many items in the list are actual foods (garlic, probiotics, aloe vera juice, mushrooms) , a couple of other recommendations are lifestyle improvements (reduced sugar consumption, more rest). That leaves three supplements that I recommend because it is difficult to achieve those levels from foods only.
this article about not getting swine flue vacination makes so much sense to me , i feel drug companies are pushing so much medication out there and doctors should have to study nutural medicine plus chemical and give patients the choce but also we all have to be aware to find out more information about what we put into into our bodies.
I completely agree with this comment. I believe our doctors should be studying more preventative “medicine”, including good supplements, etc. I have read about and tried some herbal, homeopathic and other natural supplemental ways of helping our immune systems get stronger, especially before flu season hits. A couple years ago my husband got swine flu and the worst part lasted a good two weeks, but then lingered and turned into a bronchial infection, and then a lot of coughing dragging on for three months. Even more than a year later he did not feel that his respiratory system ever fully recovered. My three children and I were using a homeopathic drop that is a natural swine flu vaccine. My two older children (in Kindergarten and 1st grade at the time) got a mild flu around the same time, my baby at the time got sent to Grandma’s house while I (Mom) took care of everyone at home. I visited my baby at g-mas a few times over the course of a week that she was there. Fortunately I did not get sick at all at that same time. Looking back I realized that I was taking the homeopathic drops more regularly than my children were, but I believe that because they were getting them at least on a semi-regular basis that helped them from getting any full-blown swine flu. I definitely thank Heavenly Father for helping our family in that situation. It was right around Halloween and my children just stayed home and I let them trick-or-treat inside our apartment at different doors a few times. They dressed up for a little bit in their costumes and still had a blast. My baby ended up getting an ear infection with fever for a couple days, but that did not turn into any flu either. I was very exhausted trying to keep up with that and was so relieved when it was over! I’m SO GLAD our whole family did not get swine flu. My husband was not using the drops, so if he was using them, he may not have gotten swine flu. He teaches school, so sickness seems to spread there more easily. He does not get flu shots and that was the first year he got sick–his student teacher was pregnant and got swine flu and he got it soon after she did. I believe that was the main reason he got it b/c they are in the same classroom and used the same desk, computer, etc. I think another thing that helps him is that he usually takes good quality supplements, so it helps his immune system. I have to say I don’t get the flu or colds much probably b/c of supplements I take, and I’m sure it helps strengthen my immune system. I also pray and do they best I can to be healthy.
I can’t really say whether or not the flu shot will help or hinder anyone getting a specific type of flu.
However, I can say that I contracted a flu in the winter of 1971 while I was about three to four months pregnant. I ran a fever of 102F for about three days and remember coughing so much I thought I would die. Also, I remember vomiting a lot, which one of my neighbors attributed to “morning sickness”.
When my son was born, he was born with a rare birth defect which affected his gastrointestinal system (the defect, I found out was one of several).
However, I must say that I was working in a sawmill at the time of my pregnancy, so I was exposed to a lot of different chemicals, some of which are considered unsafe to use, and probably especially when there is a pregnancy involved.
SO, what I am saying, is that perhaps we should receive vaccinations at our own risk, since I don’t believe that the FDA or CDC will ever give us the straight facts about what is or what isn’t harmful to our life.
If the flu injection is not to be trusted then what about the children? The doctors are giving toddlers the injection.
Great point, Marty! It’s up to the parents to educate themselves and decide on behalf of their children.
That’s why I’m not immunizing my son. Too dangerous in my mind.
I find your website absolutely invaluable. I wish my “doctor” would read and learn as much as I have.
Thank you
My mother, a diabetic, died of the flu in 1967.
I, too, am a diabetic. I get a regular flu shot every year because of what happened to my mother.
Sounds like you are big into prevention by strengthening
the body’s immune system. That seems to be your bottom line. C
My thoughts agree, don’t touch any vaccines, flu or otherwise. Do your own research, I saw a video recently of a lady who took swine flu vaccine in USA in the 70’s and afterwards became paralysed, having been a fit and well lady.
Check out websites like “info wars”, pharmaceutical companies profits, not our health come first and the future plan to reduce world population by the NWO.
Dr.’s get paid 5 pounds a jab by the NHS in UK.Our local practice plans for 800 jabs!
Pateint Beware!
Hi Vivian,
I have read your reasons why not to take the flue shots, but I have to tell you that it is not true that we here in Canada have opted out in getting them. I live in Alberta and we are in full swing of getting the H1N1 vaccine. And as far as I know, so are all of the other provinces.
It would be best to check again if it’s true before making such a statement.
Sigrid
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hi Sigrid,
Vivian is talking about the provinces cancelling the REGULAR YEARLY flu shots not the H1N1 shots. She is correct.
Hi Vivian i realy are enjoying reading all this very imformitve health imformation.
I plan to try not taking the shot this year just to see what happen but am going to have to stop saying this in my circle they are on my case. I have not been sick much with flue with the shot or without. There has been a few years when i did not take do not remember being sick that bad at any point in my life. so we will see but most all around me are sick already. Hoping and praying for a good flu season. You never know until you test the water or see if i get scard and surrender. Thanks for the info.
How many vitamin supplement I have to take, all seems to be important but nobody can possibly take so much. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis years back and I stopped taking actenol. I want to know,which one I should take.
Thank you
So many ask, what kind, what brand of vitamins should I take? There are some excellent alternative M.D.s on the web and they also have monthly newsletters. Lots of information plus many have their own line of supplements. Check out Dr. Rowen, Dr. mercola (www.drmercola.com). Also try googling “anti vaccines” and see what comes up. Then there’s the National Vaccine Information Asso. I think that’s what it’s called. Read up. And last, Swansons Nutrition in Fargo has an extensive mail order business and carry close to every brand out there for 1/3 to 1/2 off of retail. But there are still a few that I get from The Rowen group of drs. Generally, I don’t recommend anything unless it’s working for me. Do your homework…study, study, study.
PS I could not be paid enough to subject my body to a flu shot.
I am so glad that someone told us the truth about getting the flu shot. I had some suspicion about getting the shot. I have never had the flu shot and like your mother, my mother got the flu shot once and it made her real sick so did my daughter so I decided not to get it and I wondered if I should get the flu shot this year since the doctors are pushing it. Thank you for the information.
My mother died on October 5th at the age of 90, three days after she received the flu shot. Even though she was frail I wonder if she died peacefully in her sleep because it was her time or due to the toxins that are in the vaccines. I truly believe in natural remedies, I taking a variety of vitamins including Vit.D in liquid form, 6000 iu daily. Freshly squeezed veggie juice. I maintain my exercise routine which includes spinning, weight lifting and stair master. I have osteoporosis at the age of 54, I took Actinol for 2 years it effected my jaw, hip, arm and digestive system. I can proudly say, I no longer have any pain and I am SO HAPPY that I did not listen to the doctors.
Here is all the research you will ever need about flu vac and vit D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6tHdpMKa0I
This is something I truly believe. Anything that generates so much profit is going to be going to be given a false value by those who stand to profit. Sadly, people are easily frightened these days into accepting the word of people in a position of trust.
Even when they become sick as a result, they will believe the statement that they would have been much sicker if they had not been given the shot. To let someone inject ANYTHING into your bloodstream seems to me outright dangerous. Strangely enough, the “Flu season” seems to happen just when flu shots are being administered.
I agree, the best way to stay well is to fortify your immune system.
I have been away so by the time I read your warning about the flu vaccination I had already had it. Apart from feeling a bit low for a few days I have been OK, thank goodness. The quandary will be, as I have had the one should I, if it becomes available to me, have the swine flu vaccination? Whatever I decide I am going take up your suggestion about boosting the immune system. Many thanks for keeping us informed.
Thanks for the valuable information about flu shots. I have not taken a shot in years, but then again I have always been very health conscious and it seems as though it has been paying off. Admittedly, I have been thinking about taking a flu shot this year,but after your articles I think I am just going to continue taking care of my health the way I have always been.
Thanks again for the info.
Viola
Hi Vivian,
I like your new web site. Thank you for your emails and all the good information. I agree with you completely about the flu vaccine. I got a flu shot many years ago, got very sick, said I would never get another and I haven’t. I refuse to get it. I haven’t had the flu since, thank God. You have given me all the other good reasons to not get the flu shot.
I was curious about when the flu vaccine was first discovered so I searched the internet and found that it was discovered in 1944 (the year I was born) due to the work of Dr. Salk and Dr. Francis. The article said that each year the CDC guesses which strains will be most common and puts out a vaccine for those strains. The efficiency rate of the vaccine is around 80%. That’s another good reason to not get it without a guess. It is better to build up the immune system with natural food!
Thank you.
I enjoyed your article very much. I have never had a flu shot and don’t plan on starting now. My husband had one years ago and he got so sick it took himn weeks to get up and going again.They talk about a side effect called Jullian Barre. That alone is enough to tell you about this subject. From reading your books whichI am still doing and enjoying your articles on line I watch what I do more now and I was surprized to see how many vitamins you recommended that I have taken for years.Now I am reading up on how to eat my food so the calcium will be absorbed. Thanks for all the information. Mary
I live in Australia and our government is advising us all to have the flu vaccine. And to add to this they are blackmailing us by telling us that if we don’t we may infect someone who is frailer than we are. I find this absolutely immoral. I am not having the flu shot.
I have submitted my opinion. Even though we disagree ,does not mean I do not appreciate how much Vivian did & do for the people.
always thankful for that.
Suseela Dasari
Dear Vivian, you are a fount of good information!!! I have had my flu shots since 1997 – when my husband had his by-pass surgery – and he told my brother and I that if we didn’t get the flu shots and we got the flu and gave it to him – he would die – so we got the shots and he still died -supposedly his heart stopped beating- it was his second flu shot – so maybe his body couldn’t cope with all the awful toxins in the flu shot – as well as the high amount of medications – I will not have a flu shot next year (May-Australia). A medical doctor – researcher was on our T.V. last week telling people to think carefully about having the swine flu shot – warning of the many serious side effects – our Government had ordered 1 pharmacutical firm to make millions of shots – and they had announced that we have enough to cover all Australians and one third of the population of the U.S.A. Imagine the amount of millions of dollars they will rake in!!!! Thanks again for the information – I’m so careful of what I eat and then to have a fly shot to put all that poison into my system. No way!!!!! Blessings, Kelsey Fickling. AUSTRALIA.
your information is eye-opening; thank you. and thanks for the 10 good suggestions. as to vit d, i also recommend this liquid form: “Bio-D-Mulsion Forte” by Biotics Research. i’ve done well with it for over 2 years. best wishes!
Hey Vivian,
I stopped taking flu shots years ago. The only time I took the shot I got sicker than any other season. Since learning that a healthy immune system is most critical to a healthy me, I changed habits to secure and insure health of my immune system. it has proven to be the most effective. I don’t think I have had more than 4 or 5 colds over the last 12 years.
Thank you for keeping it real!
How thankful I am for your up-to-date info on current health hazards in addition to your excellent advice on keeping our bones strong.
I have been convinced in the past re. flu shot hazards, but this gives me data to show my family who are apt to go along with the most influential person in their life – the primary doctor, who is very concerned to offer his patients the going recommendations so that he is not held responsible for any serious health problems that his patient might accuse him of. I think it is called “standard procedure” that their insurance companies can depend on to clear them in court cases. In other words, they offer the current standard procedure whether proven or not. “well I gave him the prescribed flu shot, and he evidently had too many health problems to keep him from catching the virus. I’m clear.”
Good points! I’m allergic to mercury. Over 20 years ago, I developed action hand tremors caused by mercury/silver fillings in my mouth. If I ate tuna [which I now avoid], the hand tremors got worse. Now, the mercury is gone, but the tremors are gradually getting worse due to mercury caused ataxia [degeneration of the motor neurons in the cerebellum].
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in Jan 2001.
Hi Vivien,
I like your alternative to flueshots — but how about the much advertised SWINEFLUE?? In your opinion, is that vaccine safe to take —- nessessary for protection? According to statistics, many people – especially children – have died from that virus befor vaccine was available. Your comments,please.
Thank you,
Gerda George.
Hi Gerda,
The swine flu virus is one more virus that can cause the flu. The best protection against any virus is not a vaccine, but having a strong immune system.
What a wonderful article! Thank you. This reinforces my thinking on the flu vaccine and I am passing this information on to friends and family. I am offended by the constant barrage of community announcements urging everyone to get their flu shot OR….. Please continue to present these truths. You can save our bodies and ultimately our lives.
Thank you for the article. My family and I are not getting the flu shot. I have always felt that we are being over vaccinated already. I take most of the immune boosters but have a question about the Aloe Vera. I grow my plants and wondered how much I would need if I just cut a bit off a plant and peel it and put it in a smoothie? Wouldn’t fresh be better than bottled?
Hi Jeanne, if you have the plant, it’s a great idea to mix the gel into a smoothie.
Vivian:
Thanks for the information. It is all so confusing. I don’t trust any of the new medicines and have, in fact, refused to take some of the medicines my doctor wants me to.
Here’s my confusion:
I never got the flu and for years refused to take the flu shot. The only time I took the flu shot, I got the flu so I refused it each year. Then at about age 58, I began getting the flu every year so I started taking the flu shot. Now I don’t get the flu. I don’t trust the flu medicine at all but I am not getting the flu each year anymore. I don’t want to poison my body but I also don’t want the flu. My husband is in bad health and if he gets it, he may not survive.
GIVE ME YOU COMMENTS.
Hi Pamela, I understand your situation, and I wrote the article posted here precisely because of questions like yours. Now you are armed with enough knowledge to make your own educated decision:)
thank you so very much…I just learned so much more….you have “armed” me…I’m passing this on…….I’m very grateful to you..
Ruth Cheeseman..67 yrs
Ruth, please pass it on, and thanks for that.
Everyone, please feel free to share this information with family, friends, co-workers, etc.
plTHANK YOU SOOO HELPFULs send this to quinn12312GMAIL.COM
Dear Vivian
I go to Naturopathic Physician and she give me a Immune Booster shot it boost the immune system
and protects you I went to my Daughter last year for Christmas
My daughter &Grandchildern were all sick with the flue i did not get the flue I would never have those flue shots. I will always have the immune booster shot
Howdy, Vivian! Thanx for the flu shot info. Unfortunately, Doc recommended it to me and gave it to me 21 September 2009. No ill effects; except for, 10 days later, waking up from a nap with chills, fevre, 102°F oral temperature, diarrhea with stomach cramping, sinus & bronchial infections which, fortunately, did not become another pneumonia. Upped the Vit C to 2000 mg/day & all symptoms disappeared in 3 days. BTW, got the Ubiquinol you recommended in last post—$60/2 bottles + 3 more free bottle. Today is 2nd day of 50/mg/day. Going to do Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb [1034 steps + 4 miles walk—supposedly a 5K] on crutches. Thanx, ArmExtenders.
I got the flu shot and the very next day woke up with Bells Palsy – the left side of my face was paralyzed. It has been two weeks. I was in shock and it all came from a flu shot. Would I have taken this shot knowing how it would affect me, no!
The healing process has begun but it will be some time before I am back to “normal” again.
I am very sad and disappointed.
Hi Myrna,
“Modern Medicine” will sooner or later disappoint us all, and my heart goes out to you. I wish you a speedy recovery and excellent health.
I work in a doctor’s office where the flu shot is given every year and I do not agree with it. My 86 year old father is living with us now and tells us that he goes every year for his flu shot and ends up getting sick. What do I do? I do not want to get sick if he gets the flu shot and gets the flu and I do not want to get the flu shot.
Hi Elizabeth,
Let me see if I understood this correctly: you write that your father gets the flu shot every year and ends up getting sick. So then what is he risking if he doesn’t take the flu shot this year? The worse that can happen is that he gets sick… just like when he used to get the flu shot.
Thank you for the information. I totally agreed with you.
I was told that the Juice Plus is all you need to strengthens the immune system. What do you think about this?
Evelina, you can never go wrong taking natural antioxidants. It’s a great way to stay healthy.
Thank you so much for the information. Sadly, I received my seasonal flu shot yesterday. Let’s see what happens. I work in a very busy emergency room and come in contact with viral infections on a daily basis. We were encouraged to get the shot to protect the patients from us.
I did not get flu shots until I reached 60 years of age. I am very much in agreement with your recomendation of diet and supplements. Garlic is my first line of defence and preach it’s great potentials to all who will listen. I have noted a garlic smell to my skin at times, but have been told it is the smell that makes it work.
Thank you again, I shall reconsider and most likely avoid the H1N1 flu shot.
Hi Vivian, I just wanted to say thanks for the very informative article. I was going to go in for my flu shot today but now,instead,I’ll go to the health food store instead, and get one of the vitamins you suggested. They’re so expensive, unfortunately. I gave my sister in Arizona your site address and she was very impressed (she has osteoporosis & was taking a med for it,which,I guess mixing w/her blood pressure med, made her very ‘weird’feeling, and behaving, so i sent her to your site..she quit taking it)(of course she consulted her dr.)And now she’s feeling so much better, and started an exercise program! Thank you again Vivian. Barb S.
That’s great, Barb.
Thank you,Vivian for the information on the flu shots. I have never had one and never will…
Hi! I would first like to say, my mom forwarded this info onto me and very glad she did. Not becuase I was thinking of getting one…..Hell NO! Ive heard the stuff in the shots is comparable to the ingrediants that are in antifreeze that goes in your car! But rather, ammunition for people that are preachers about getting them! Im a firm believer in natural foods and natural ways of taking care of one self. Never been hip on vitamins or meds. I feel the world should be more warned of what damage the shots can do rather than not! You never hear the side of the story that potentially is the more positive side. Seems our world thrives on negativity and scares! Sad really! My good friend got the shot and 24hrs later was laid up in bed for 4days and could barely function. I almost thought he needed to see the doc but pulled thru. Was very scarey. He said it was def from the shot..His immune system is weak anyway, but even weaker now. Once again….Thanks!
Thank you for your informaive emails. I would like to add my treatment for night leg cramps which is a couple of spoonfuls of epsom salts poured down my bed socks (I get very cold feet)and I am sorry to read any adverse ocmments on your information. I believe “the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. So many people have good results on the alternate healthy way of eating and supplementation. it’s about time alternative health care was recognised. In Australia Seniors (I am 76) mostly get free doctors visits and cheaper medicines which unfortunately is the reason we end up visiting doctors. Also there are times when we must have a doctors certificate, which is frustrating when you are working and have to pay the correct fees. However it is still better to opt for the alternative health care if you want to stay healthy.
Please clarify your info about treatment of “night leg cramps”. Thank you.
Soledad,
I get leg Cramps from taking Vitamin K..I do not know if your taking it, but it is unusual for this to happen.
I keep by my bed and in my purse,incase I should get a legs cramps, which is Very Rare now that I stopped taking K..
It’s called “Hyland’s Leg Cramps with Quinne.
Its a little tablet, that I put under my toungh (sp?), and the cramp is gone in seconds..
Hylands has been making Homeopathic for years. It is a name you can trust, but there are others also that do the same thing.
Good luck.
April
Thanks for the article on building the immune system. I already take a number of the things recommended, but I’ll be making a trip to the store very soon.
Why do you think the government is wanting us to take flu-vaccines that are so potentially harmful?
Hi Sue,
This is a great question. And it is not only the government, it is also the “medical establishment” pursuing their band-aid approach… As Louis Pasteur said on his deathbed: “…the pathogen is nothing; the terrain is everything.” Some argue that there is no convincing evidence that Pasteur actually said this, but regardless, it is the absolute truth!
Sorry about that glitch! The website is getting unprecedented traffic volume… my tech staff is working on solving this. I thank all for your patience.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I began getting flu shots when I was about 18 or 19 years old and got one faithfully every year for MORE THAN 45 years! But I still got horribly sick every winter with bronchitus that lasted for weeks and sometimes months. Occasionally was diagnosed with pneumonia. Three years ago, during the middle of May, I developed bronchitus and was coughing uncontrollably for 10 weeks! I was taking every medicine possible for asthma complications, nebulizer treatments every 4 hours around the clock. Cracked a couple ribs from coughing so hard. I thought I would die of coughing. Later that fall (year 2006) I decided to NOT get a flu shot. Went thru the entire winter with no colds at all! I also had started taking cod liver oil along with other supplements. The following year I again did not get the shot and had another good winter (and I live in the cold Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Ditto for 2008. Also in the fall of 2008, I was tested and had a severe deficiency of Vit. D, so started supplements of D-3. I will NEVER get another flu shot again as my body is now able to handle the “germs” by being properly nourished. I also wonder if all of my fibromyalgia and neuropathy problems in my feet have a connection to the vaccines?
Thanks for sharing your story, Bonnie.
Stop using fluoride toothpaste, if you do, it affects so many systems in your body including your Central Nervous System. There is plenty of research on it out there on the web and in books.Also get your Thyroid levels tested – research that too, as many doctors have very poor knowledge about the sub clinical effects of low thyroid levels.
I developed a cough last winter that lasted 2 months. I got my first flu shot earlier that year for the first time in 30 years!
My doctor finaly tested me for pertussis and I tested positive!
Thanks for you story, it helped me put 2 and 2 together.
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for the excellent information you’ve provided regarding the flu vacine. You’ve answered a lot of my questions, and I have decided against having it. I have also advised my daughter who is pregant, not to have it despite the daily news on TV and newspaper. Thank you again for your excellent work.
Ruby
Thankyou for your very informative e-mails. You are right on about the flu shot. I have never had one and don’t plan to start.
Sorry to say, that everytime that I try to pull up your newsletter, it starts and then disappears. I would like to read it and get your list of what we should do to help our immune system. Please resend the article in a format that I can open.
Thank you very much.
I have the same problem. Vivian, is there any way that you can resend the article,because I too would like to find out more about the Flu shot. Thank you
Gerri
Like the last post, I also can not stop your information disapearing after a couple of seconds. What di you think is the problem?
My mom was right (an RN from the 1920’s) .. wash your hands (often) and keep your hands aways from your face. Eat whole foods, get proper rest, cover your nose, if you’re about to sneeze ..AND NEVER GET A FLU SHOT!! …so far, her sage advise has worked for me! I am well and a healthy 67 year old woman.
I was pleased to see that I do 9 of your 10 suggestions for better immunity. I do not do aloe vera but will try it. My Dr. also has boosted my vit. D level for my bones to 50K IUs for one month and then 2000 for 2 months with a recheck of my blood.
I was going to have a flu jab in a couple of days time. Thank you for this information, I will not have the jab now.
Many thanks,
Allan
I found that with regular Chiropractic care my immune system was good and I finally got through a season and several seasons thereafter without getting sick! I too had a flu vaccine and I think I got the flu as a result.
So get adjusted regularly by your favorite Chiropractic and watch the Flu become a thing of the past or if not certainly how you can handle it when you do get it.