Official advise—short answer: yes, especially if you have a chronic medical issue, such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
BUT, I have never had it, nor will I ever. I am not alone—one half of doctors don’t get it because it is not that effective. I was surprised to see “they” openly admitted it this month. If you look at the literature you will readily see it has never been that helpful. The best answer is to strengthen your immune system through your diet, and lifestyle. Eat a plant-based diet, keep your gut function normal, and manage stress constructively. Avoid polluted environments, and limit exposure to chemicals, especially pesticides. Make time to read the handout below. I give it to my patients so they can improve their immune system to prevent and treat infections.
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When discussing any infectious issue, the emphasis is generally on the virulence of the organism. While this is a legitimate concern, this approach often creates some fear and apprehension in people. At times, patients may even feel totally helpless. I believe that a preventive approach should be emphasized to empower people in boosting their immune system. This is what Pasteur famously meant when he said that it “is not the germ, but the terrain.”
- Get adequate sleep. Losing one hour of sleep per night depresses immune function.
- Wash your hands often. Try not to touch your eyes, mouth. Sneeze into sleeve
- Take 5-10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 each day. Increase to 50,000 IU while sick. Children: 1,000 IU daily, 5,000 IU when sick.
- Take probiotics 5-10 caps a day; feed them with Slippery elm or Constant Health fiber
- Take Vitamin C: 1,000 mg. Increase to 5,000 mg 3 times a day while sick; add IGG 2000 (immunoglobulin) 2 caps 2 times a day.
- Zinc tablets per bottle
- Avoid processed sugar: one can of coke depresses white cell function by 90% for 5 hours.
- Take Echinacea, Mushrooms, Elderberry, Oregano and/or Silver only while ill. They are not indicated for maintenance.
- LOTS OF WATER. Also Pomegranate juice, green tea.
- Consider wearing surgical mask if risk of exposure is high.
- Daily sinus rinse with saline (salt) solution or Xclear (Xylitol).
- Daily gargle with saline solution.
If you believe you have the Flu:
The CDC advises patients to stay home and rest; avoid the ER and clinic, unless you are extremely ill. In that case, come in wearing a surgical mask. Prescriptions for cough and pain would be considered.
