Is this the year to get the flu vaccination?

H1N1 is back. This year we have already been affected by scary and deadly accounts of people getting the flu.  The younger generation is particularly susceptible because they have not developed antibodies yet to the virus; whereas most of us who survived the 2009 outbreak already have antibodies developed.

Normally, the flu vaccine is semi-useless, however this year’s stock is more targeted to the H1N1 and therefore may confer more protection.

The CDC continues to recommend the flu vaccine, especially for children, elderly, pregnant women and anyone who is immune-compromised.

For all of us, regardless of whether you get vaccinated this year, here is what is recommend so that you stay healthy:

• Stay home if you are not feeling well and rest.
• Practice good hygiene. Consistently wash your hands and sanitize/deep clean your home. Open windows with this unseasonably warm weather and let in fresh air.
• Take a multi-vitamin (or be more diligent about taking your mullet-vitamin).
• Use natural anti-virals. Elderberry is a wonderful and medicinal herb. You can take Elderberry for long periods of time and give to those most at risk (i.e. it’s safe for children (vaccinated or not), pregnant mom’s, and the elderly).  Gaia is a great herbal brand. It’s much more potent and easily available at most health food stores,
• Use herbal therapies at the proper stage of illness.  Herbs to help acute infections differ from those taken for chronic infections.
• An acupuncture treatment can help the virus move through your body at a quicker speed, and it is a good time to assess which herbal formula is best for you.
• Avoid foods that weaken the immune system like sugar.
• Drink lots of fluid

Much Love,

Megan Nielson

Megan@berkeley-acupuncture.com

Megan Nielsen is licensed in California and nationally as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She discovered acupuncture shortly after graduating from college and became fascinated with the combination of conventional and alternative therapies. Pursuing her Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine has furthered her knowledge, passion and belief that the two can co-exist and compliment one another to achieve excellent results.