Flu Shots and Antibiotics
Their merits and shortcomings
What are the merits of receiving a flu shot? Or even a better question might be, are there benefits to receiving the shot? Like any vaccination against any disease the vaccine itself causes you to get a mild case of the “flu”. The vaccine varies each season. The exact “flu” you are being vaccinated against is determined by what strains of flu are anticipated to be a threat for the upcoming season. The shot will make you ill to some extent, ranging from mild to fatal symptoms. The annual vaccine does not protect you from every strain of flu that might occur over the next several months. Also, the vaccine may have an advantage for a few, but it also carries no guarantee. You can still get the flu. For many, the risks may even be higher.
The best prevention is always a natural method.
- Stay well-rested.
- Drink plenty of water.
- When you experience a high-stress event in your life your resistance may be lowered. Therefore, you need to increase your vitamin and mineral intake, the amount of water you drink. Also, increase your vitamin C and D intake.
We also have found two very effective natural products. Both are from Shaklee:
- One is NutriFeron- a well-tested, immune booster that helps you ward off the common cold, influenzas and viral infections. Shaklee’s description is: “A Shaklee exclusive, NutriFeron is a patented, clinically proven blend of immune-strengthening plant extracts. When used daily, it increases the production of your body’s natural interferon, a critical activator of the immune system. NutriFeron works at the cellular level, by rapidly activating your immune system’s defenses* https://member.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/immunity/product-_p_nutriferon_p_
Like all Shaklee products, you will note that it is clinically tested. You can check out the testing results online if you wish. Our personal experience and that of our clients has been that it is far more effective than any preventative shot. Because it builds your own body’s defenses. It is not only protecting you from a few flu strains. It is protecting you against all flu strains as well as other more serious health challenges.
- A second product that works if you feel the symptoms of something dragging you down, is a product called Defend and Resist Complex. This product is great to use “at the first tickle”. https://member.myshaklee.com/us/en/shop/healthysolutions/immunity/product-_p_defend-_amp_-resist-complexp
Just recently everyone at my workplace has had a cold type of flu that has lasted them up to 3 weeks. For some, it has lasted even longer – with antibiotics. It turns into a deep chest cold with a horrible cough and the risk of pneumonia. I had experienced a very stressful week 2 weeks before. My systems crashed. I got their “flu” but in under one week, I was back to 100%! A sore throat hit me one day. I ignored it. Then my sinuses started pounding and I felt exhausted. I hit the Defend and Resist and took a day off from work on day 3. By day 4 I was pretty much back to normal and by day 6 I was 100% again. Three co-workers continued to struggle with bad days and good days after one month!!!
Of course, I used a diffuser with a mix of Essential Oils as well each evening. This was to help clear my sinuses and relieve the pressure. A small cotton ball with a few drops of the mixture is great for clearing your sinuses when you are away from home. I used a Eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint combo. Also, you can add a drop or two of lemon or grapefruit. Add a few drops of each to a roller bottle with some coconut or olive oil. Roll it over your stuffy sinus area if you do not have a diffuser. This is also very effective. (Try this when traveling: the roller bottle mix plus Defend and Resist. This combination is very effective in keeping you healthy while you travel.)
Finally, do you have tickles when you speak or if you speak for an extended period? Rather than popping cough drops try chewing strong mint gum. It helps the production of saliva. Also, the saliva helps keep your throat moist and from feeling tight and dry. Plus the peppermint (or spearmint) will help clear your sinuses and reduce inflammation. The gum is better for you that the cough drop. Likewise, a cup of warm, strong mint tea is also soothing and effective once you have finish speaking or before bed. Have the tea while breathing your diffuser emissions.
Antibiotics
Remember if you take an antibiotic you must always use a probiotic! Have you ever wondered why you pick up one ailment after the other particularly after using an antibiotic? Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in your intestinal tract. That good bacteria is your immune system. It helps you fight off colds, flus, and infections as well as more serious diseases. Using antibiotics will destroy your immune system. Use them sparingly and always pair them with a probiotic. Furthermore, once you have completed your cycle of antibiotics it doesn’t hurt to double up on your probiotics. Do not ever depend on the small amounts of probiotics in some of the highly advertised, over-processed yogurts to do the trick. You need strong, active, live probiotics to get and keep your immune system in your intestinal tract healthy again. We recommend Shaklee’s Optiflora Probiotic Complex (https://us.shaklee.com/Nutrition/%2B2-Targeted-Solutions/%2B-Probiotics/Optiflora%C2%AE-Prebiotic-and-Pearl-Probiotic/p/20639)
Have a healthy winter!
