Whether or not you have been vaccinated for the flu, you still may be susceptible to the viruses currently in circulation.  You have probably noticed people coughing around you, who are fighting the latest.  Regarding vaccinations, it is a little late to have one, hoping for protection at this point.  One vaccine being used for the 2017-2018 season is new.  It is quadrivalent, or contains 4 viruses thought to be most popular and common.  The prior vaccines, and some still being administered this year have only had three viruses.  The trivalent vaccine contains two influenza A strains and one B strain.  The quadrivalent vaccine has two influenza A strains and two B strains.

 

Can you still get the flu?  Yes!  Viruses mutate at the drop of a hat and the strain you may be exposed to might not be covered in the vaccines.  People should remember that the vaccines cover the strains from the prior year only, no mutated new strains.

Is there anything else to protect yourself from the flu?  The answer is a resounding “YES!”.  Two inexpensive objects may greatly decrease your exposure to viruses.  One is a mask.  The surgical masks that fit easily around your ears are comfortable and may be worn for long periods of time.  I always carry a few in my purse.  I particularly recommend them to protect in air travel.  The air continues to be recirculated, so if someone is coughing incessantly 20 rows away from you, their germs could be happily flowing down the recirculating wind tunnel to your seat in 3A!

The second object which is invaluable in protecting against viruses is a simple bottle of isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol.  Alcohol will kill not only viruses but a multitude of bacteria.  Remember MERSA (methicillin-resistant staph aureus), the “super-bug”?  It even succumbs to simple alcohol.  So if you are sick, be a “Johnny alcohol-seed”; alcohol all you touch to protect your family!

Don’t forget the faucets and toilet handle, and, of course, the remote-control units and phones.

Now that you are up to date on the latest in vaccines and how you can arm yourself for the winter viral combat, I am going to put our supplement formula in yet again.  Please use this, it does work!

Basic Preventative Supplements Every Oregonian should take daily:

Vitamin D 5,000 iu daily.  (We do not live on the beach, and do not get enough sun to produce vitamin D.  I recommend measuring this vitamin because it is so important.  It not only stimulates your immune system against infections, but will protect you against cancers, autoimmune disease and keep your bones strong) It is inexpensive and available.

Vitamin C 1000 mg. twice daily

Selenium 200 mcg daily

Zinc 50-75mg daily

If you start to get sick, please increase the formula accordingly:

 

Vit. D 20,000 iu a day for 3 days, then 10,000 iu daily for a week, then 5,000iu

Vit. C 1,000mg 3 x a day until better, then decrease slowly

Zinc: 100 mg daily x one week, then decrease to 50-75mg

Selenium 500 mcg daily x 3 days, then 200 mcg daily

 

Also helpful on the food front:

Horse radish or wasabi

Garlic

Ginger

Citrus/honey

Foods to avoid:

Sugar and dairy

Wishing you a safe and healthy New Year in 2018!!