It is an annual topic of discussion in my practice, "Do I have to get a flu shot?" In the workplace, women are pressured and even bullied by their bosses and co-workers to get the shot. Many companies offer 'free flu shots' to entice employees to get the vaccine, or shame those who refuse the vaccine by making them wear face masks that employees who get the shot do not have to wear. Pregnant women seem to have a natural suspicion that getting a vaccine during pregnancy could be harmful to their unborn babies, and seek information to support their decision not to get the shot. These women can rest assured that the evidence is on their side.
Vaccination for the flu during pregnancy has proven to be dangerous and ineffective. Even the Center for Disease Control reports the flu vaccine is at most 14% effective in preventing the flu. In addition to being ineffective, the flu vaccine contains additives and preservatives that are harmful. The most dangerous of these include Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent, Aluminum, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and seizures, and Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease. In 2009, the flu vaccine caused a 700% increase in miscarriages!
The flu vaccine actually causes a decrease in the body's natural immune function, making you more likely to get the flu or catch a cold in the days following the vaccine.
Vaccination for the flu during pregnancy has proven to be dangerous and ineffective. Even the Center for Disease Control reports the flu vaccine is at most 14% effective in preventing the flu. In addition to being ineffective, the flu vaccine contains additives and preservatives that are harmful. The most dangerous of these include Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent, Aluminum, which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and seizures, and Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease. In 2009, the flu vaccine caused a 700% increase in miscarriages!
The flu vaccine actually causes a decrease in the body's natural immune function, making you more likely to get the flu or catch a cold in the days following the vaccine.
Clearly,
the flu vaccine is not the best way to avoid the flu. Achieve immunity by strengthening your
body’s own immune system instead. As an
alternative to the flu vaccine, follow this Anti-Flu Protocol:
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Anti-Flu Protocol
Daily
supplements:
- RAW Prenatal (or other herbal-based, whole-food prenatal vitamin)
- Vitamin C: 1000 mg
- Vitamin D: 2000 iu
- Chelated Calcium:Chelated Magnesium: 2000mg:1000mg minimum per day
- Garlic: 1-2 capsules or tablets, twice a day
- Water: 3-4 quarts of clear water, may add fresh-squeezed lemon juice or liquid chlorophyll for an extra immune boost
- Avoid junk foods: White flour, white rice, cookies, cakes, pies, pastry, donuts, soda, ice cream and candy all decrease immunity and make you much more susceptible to the flu.
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What
if you are exposed or likely to be exposed while traveling?
If
you are exposed to someone who is sick or if you are traveling, immediately
increase your intake of vitamin C to 2000 or 3000 mg per day, vitamin D to 3000 to 4000 iu per
day, and garlic to 3-4 capsules three times per day. Make you water intake a priority. Continue this increased protocol for a week
after the exposure or a week after you return from your travels.
What
if you get the flu?
Even
among people following the above protocol, there will be an occasional case of
the flu. Fortunately, during pregnancy
the baby is usually protected from the flu because the virus cannot cross the
placenta. Dehydration, lack of nutrition
and high fever are the main concerns regarding flu during pregnancy.
Medical
treatment for the flu (Tamiflu) contains harmful chemicals and has side effects
that are as bad as the flu itself.
Antibiotics do not work on the flu because it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics are only effective against
bacteria, not the flu. Taking antibiotics during the
flu will only decrease your immune system and cause the flu to last
longer. If you are one of the unfortunate
who come down with the flu, the following treatments will help minimize the
symptoms you get over the flu more quickly.
- Increase your intake of vitamin C to 3000 mg per day, vitamin D to 4000 iu per day, and garlic to 3-4 capsules three times per day.
- Hydrate: Make sure you keep sipping water, herbal tea and broth throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Staying hydrated will help the body fight the infection, remove toxins efficiently and decrease fever.
- If you get a fever, check your temperature every hour or two. If it gets over 103 degrees for more than an hour, take a lukewarm bath and allow your skin to air-dry instead of toweling. Or use a squirt-bottle to wet your hair and allow it to air-dry. The cooling effects of evaporation should reduce your fever naturally. Repeat as needed. If your fever does not respond to this treatment, consult your healthcare provider.
- If you vomit, you will have approximately 10-15 minutes during which you will not vomit again. Eat a bite of yogurt or drink some water, tea or broth immediately after vomiting, so your body will have a few minutes to absorb the fluids and nutrients.
- Stay home!
- Rest!
- There are many helpful homeopathic remedies that will help you get over flu and treat the symptoms. Consult a good homeopathic guide or practitioner for which one(s) fit your symptoms.
Blessings of Wellness!
:) Deborah
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614424 http://www.gaia-health.com/
http://kellybroganmd.com/article/rejecting-flu-vaccine-in-pregnancy/
Excellent advice. Thank you!
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