Vaccines and the Flu

During the winter it is very common for individuals to get sick with the flu. It is during this time that people also get the flue shot in order to protect themselves and be ready for the season. For instance, during the 2012 Winter, there was a reported new type of stomach flu in addition to an unusually aggressive flu virus. In addition, there was also information that mentioned that during the 2012 winder, the worst whopping cough outbreak in the last 60 years happened.

One of the best solutions to this problem, many think, is to get vaccinated against the flu. Yet, this is not always the most effective solution. According to Dr. Tom Jefferson, seasonal flu vaccines "do not have a good track record.. The evidence from hundreds of studies... is that sometimes they work a little and sometimes they don't." 

Furthermore, an independent study from the Cochrane Collaboration found out that "at best vaccines might be effective against only influenza A and B, which represent about 10 percent of all circulating viruses. "

So, what are the best ways to protect yourself during the flu season. Here are some things you can do :

1) The first thing to do to protect yourself against the flu is to optimize your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D not only helps with flu infections but with all types of infections. 

2) The second thing to do is to avoid sugar and processed foods. The reason for this is that your immune response is decreased almost immediately after consuming sugar.  

3) Another factor to take care of yourself and avoid the flu and other infections is to get plenty of rest, as this will help your body get strength so that it fatigue will not take a toll on your health.

4) Another powerful strategy to improve your health and response to flu is your gut flora. Foods that will help you optimize your gut flora are coconut oil, avocados, olives, olive oil, butter, eggs, and nuts. You should however do your best to avoid sugar consumption.