This year has brought a different influenza season, as indicated by Health Canada. It is important that you and your family be prepared for the H1N1 flu virus. In preparing for this flu season, a new vaccine for H1N1 has just been developed and is available to the residents of the Quinte region. This vaccination has raised many questions and concerns among the general public. In a recent survey conducted by Strategic Counsel for the Globe and Mail and CTV, approximately 53% of Ontarians say that they will not get the H1N1 vaccine.

Clearly, the public is divided in its opinion about the vaccine available from Health Canada. As a naturopathic doctor and prevention care specialist, I am as concerned as you about the new strain of H1N1 and its potential complications. Naturopathic medicine offers many preventative measures for strengthening the immune system. I strongly believe that regardless of whether you chose either option regarding vaccination, preventative measures and naturopathic immune support should be taken. I have outlined some preventative measures as well as our action plan for a naturopathic flu clinic, which will be held Friday November 6th, 2009 from 5-6pm at Quinte Naturopathic Centre 173 Church St. Belleville, ON.

Prevention Measures:

• Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated
• Take your multi-vitamin, antioxidants, and probiotics
• Eat a healthy diet with no sugar (1 tbsp of sugar will depress the immune system for 20 min)
• Gargle nightly with salt water
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
• Keep common surface areas clean
• If you do become sick, contact your naturopathic doctor or other primary care physician

Naturopathic Flu Clinic: Friday November 6^th, 5-6pm

• Pascoleucyn Forte Injection: $6 per person - (a scientifically proven solution that activates the immune system particularly in influenza-like infections and viral diseases). This injection can be used in combination with the H1N1 vaccine.

Patients can also book a ½-hour immune health appointment to review where resistance to flu could be improved, get testing to assess nutritional immune function, and receive recommendations for pre-season, recent exposure, early onset of symptoms, and slow recovery to colds and flu.

Yours in health,

Michelle Durkin, BScH, ND.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

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Oct

1

Think For Yourself Before You Line Up: Flu Shot Alternatives

admin on October 1st, 2009

The news is rife with H1N1 reports and fear is becoming rampant. And as the regular flu season fast approaches and the pressure is on to receive that flu shot as well, many are calling in to see if we have a flu shot alternative.

We do. Thankfully, there are several effective homeopathic options available to us for avoiding the flu, in pellet, tablet, and drop form—negative side effects not included!—but to get the one best suited to you, we advise you to call and come in.

In general, here are some common sense guidelines for avoiding the flu, including H1N1.

On the OAND site, they say: The flu virus poses a greater risk if the natural defenses are weak. An important first step is for people to take care of the basics in bolstering these defenses, including eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping stress in check. Naturopathic Doctor Tara Gignac in Collingwood said, “Food is fuel for your body and all its work. Giving your body the right fuel can make a significant difference for your immune system.” For example, eating a diet high in complete protein, essential fatty acids (EFAs), complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables is important to support a strong immune system. Drinking sufficient water is key to keeping mucous membranes intact and playing their full role in acting as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.

General hygienic actions of each person during an epidemic

1. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.

2. Cover the mouth with a disposable handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.

3. If there is no handkerchief available, the inner side of the elbow can be used.

4. Avoid crowded places.

5. Avoid greeting ill persons by hand or kissing.

6. Avoid spitting on the ground and other surfaces.

7. Throw handkerchiefs away in closed plastic bags.

8. Don’t share glasses, plates, cutlery, food, or drinks.

9. Follow the recommendations as given by your ND and don’t self-medicate.

10. Ventilate your working place and house, and permit sun to enter.

11. Drink much water and herbal teas and eat foods rich in vitamin C, take higher doses of vit. C, and consume antioxidants (Greens First powder, available here, has the power of 10 servings of antioxidants in one scoop!).

12. Avoid sudden change of temperature.

13. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

For more info on the flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine (source examiner.com):

What to do if you are forced to take the vaccine Video by Dr. Mercola on ways to improve your immune system
Report on the origins of the H1N1 flu vaccine
Dangers of Flu Mist nasal spray for combatting flu symptoms
What’s In A Flu Shot humourous look at the ingredients
Avian Flu, Population Control, H5N1, Biological Warfare Part 1 (This was put out in 2008, prior to the outbreak of the Swine Flu, but gives some extraordinary documentation of the history of various flu seasons, and the creation of the vaccines.)
Autism related to Thimerosal in vaccines
How the flu shot works, what’s in it and other alternatives
Citizen media information on Swine flu
More citizen media information
Flu shot poster
Flu shot ingredients
Description of Potential Vaccination Risks, ingredients, history of flu vaccines and current policy statements.
Vaccine Product Insert