Fighting the Flu begins with you

Autumn is a great time to get healthy and to boost your immunity.  Stepping outside and enjoying the fresh crisp air is a great place to start. 

Each year we are told to prepare for the 'Flu Season' and this year it has been reported in the news to be one of the most severe seasons for the flu, with people being hospitalised with the flu earlier in the season. 

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​The question is:  
Should we vaccinate or not against the flu?  
I choose not to vaccinate because I believe a strong immune system is best, not just to avoid catching the flu but also to allow my immune system to fight and prevent more long-term illness like asthma, arthritis, cancer, allergies, heart and lung diseases.  
​What is the Flu Vaccine?  Studies have been conducted on the side effects of the influenza vaccine and up to 20% experienced muscle pain and headaches. The influenza vaccine contains viruses that have been grown inside eggs and then chemically altered. It is good to understand exactly what is contained in these vaccines before making your decision.

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The 2019 seasonal influenza vaccines for the southern hemisphere include the following strains: (1)

• A (H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09 like virus
• A (H3N2): an A/Switzerland 8060/2017 (H3N2) like virus
• B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus
• B: a B/Colorado/06/2017 like virus (not included in the TIVs)

​Personally, I have not had a cold or flu for more than 24 hours in the last 20 years and I believe it is due to the use of natural therapies and boosting my immunity.  I don't want to just hold myself up as an example, but rather share some points for you to consider and research for yourself.  There are ways to stay in good health and I am here to help you find them.  I will provide some links to reinforce my points and suggest you research for yourself. 
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Immune System Dysregulation
"Vaccine risk may be a difficult thing to precisely assess, but undeniably each vaccine includes a significant risk worth considering – and investigating. The citations on this page point to an increasingly grave scenario as we witness an escalation of chronic disease. Even vaccine manufacturers admit that vaccines cannot be made safe, by their very nature." 
​The changing of our immune system is the most concerning issue in regards to vaccines. Our immune systems, after the changes induced by repeated vaccines, can lose the ability to respond properly in the face of illness, causing a specific set of diseases that have become more prevalent since the introduction of vaccines.  (2)
Other side effects from Vaccines
In vulnerable children, vaccines may cause autism, seizures and mental retardation. One must also take into account the fact that for every severe reaction, vaccine provokes less acute effects like confusion, language difficulties, memory issues, irritability, mood alterations, combativeness, difficulty concentrating and behavioural problems. (3)
Promotion in Australia 
A national approach to promote the flu vaccination has been key to increased vaccinations; yet this year we are told it is the worst flu season ever.  It simply doesn't point to flu vaccines decreasing the likelihood of contracting influenza.  
Yes, there have been new viruses and so-called pandemics, but the fact remains, relying on the flu vaccine isn't necessarily the best option.  To choose boosting your immunity and taking ongoing natural medications keeps the body tuned and healthy immunity.  South Australia is experiencing the worst outbreak of flu at this time of year, and there's a shortage of the vaccine.  I ask you; is relying on a vaccine the best option?  Fighting the Flu has to start with you. (4)

NOW, LET'S LOOK AT THE POSITIVES

The control and treatment of influenza depend mainly on chemical or biochemical agents and to date, some anti-influenza agents have been isolated from plants as a result of chemical and pharmacological studies. These agents include a variety of polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, glucosides, and alkaloids. (5)

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Herbs for immunity
One review highlighted the importance of garlic (Allium sativum), green tea (Camellia sinensis), ginger (Zingiber officinale), purple coneflower (Echinacea), black cumin(Nigella sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Astragalus and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) as natural immune boosters. 
Dandelion
The antiviral activity of dandelion extracts indicates that a component or components of these extracts possess anti-influenza virus properties. (6)
Angelica
Results of one study suggest that Angelica Polysaccharides could not only inhibit virus replication but also improve the immune function. (7)
Elderberry
Elderberry liquid extract is active against human pathogenic bacteria as well as influenza viruses. The activities shown suggest that additional and alternative approaches to combat infections might be provided by this natural product. (8)

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Echinacea Purpurea
Tests showed that Echinacea extract inhibited the receptor binding activity of the influenza virus, suggesting that the extract interferes with the viral entry into cells.(9) 
These plants are bestowed with functional ingredients that may provide protection against various menaces. Modes of their actions include boosting and functioning of immune system, activation, and suppression of immune specialised cells, interfering in several pathways that eventually led to improvement in immune responses and defense system. In addition, some of these plants carry free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities that are helpful against cancer insurgence. (5)

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Vitamin C is known to build immune function. One study proves the importance of the vitamin C concentration at the initial stage of influenza virus infection. That is to say, damages through the replication of influenza viruses can be effectively prevented, when vitamin C concentration is sufficiently high at the initial stage of viral infection. (10)
VITAMINS A & D have received particular attention in recent years as these vitamins have been shown to have an unexpected and crucial effect on the immune response. (11)  Cod Liver Oil is 3 times higher in Vit A than Salmon Oil.
Zinc enables the neutrophils (white blood cells) to effectively deploy.
Garlic Results of one study suggest that supplementation of the diet with garlic may enhance immune cell function and that this may be responsible, in part, for reduced severity of colds and flu. (12)

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IN CONCLUSION

I'm sharing with you because I want you to take control of the options that are available and to consider the long term effects and how prevention is a far better option.  

​If you decide not to have a vaccination for the flu, I strongly advise you see me for your list of preventatives that I will prescribe specifically for you.

Enjoy a cup of  healthful tea

Ginger/Orange Tea
Soothing and helpful for cold, cough, and fever. The heat from the ginger is perfect and the honey soothes a sore throat. 
1 tsp ginger root, grated
1 1/ 2 tsp honey
2 cloves
1-inch piece cinnamon bark
3-inch strip orange peel
Method: Bring your cupful of water to a bubbling boil. Next, add in all the ingredients, bring the heat down low and let everything steep for about fifteen minutes. Strain into a cup and drink.

Lemon and Pepper Tea
This particular tea can help boost up immunity.  It may also work as a detox and for reducing achy joint pains for arthritis sufferers.
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp honey
Method: Place the pepper and turmeric in the cup, and pour over boiling water. Stir in the lemon juice and honey, and you're sorted.

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​Your health is important to me
contact me on 07 5484 5050 
for your free initial consultation and
​stay ​ahead of the flu this season and beyond. 
​Make a start to better health today. 


​​Warm regards 
Doctor Pat

Without your health nothing else matters!​​​​

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Dr M Patrick Rozanski DC, ND, DO (SYD)  BSc (ANU) - Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, BSc (Hon) Naturopathy  
40 years of Clinical experience in Natural Medicine with CE ​​​

References
1.https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/immunisation/service-providers/influenza
​2.World Association for Vaccine Education (WAVE) - http://novaccine.com/vaccine-risks/
3.WAVE - novaccine.com/reactions-conditions
4.ABC report - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-13/deadly-flu-outbreak-puts-nursing-homes-into-lockdown/11107214
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=24564587
6. ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22168277
7. ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22155400
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21352539
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19912623
​10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3659258/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906676/
​12.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22280901