The Flu Shot Shortage Propaganda Has Begun by Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
10/05

The propaganda to get your flu shot early because of a possible shortage has already begun. You will recall I wrote, “About Flu Vaccine Shortage” in the December, ’04 issue - http://www.gen-assist.com/features/articles/a1204.asp

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported that the number of available vaccines for this year's flu season is unknown, due to uncertainties regarding production of the influenza vaccine. As a result, they recommend that priority individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions, receive the influenza vaccine by October 24, 2005. This will ensure, the CDC claims, those who are most at risk for flu complications will be vaccinated. However, the CDC fails to report that the flu shot does not guarantee complete protection against flu viruses. (1, 2)

The cold and flu season typically begins in November or December and may last until April or May. Every year, millions of people in the United States get a cold or the flu. According to the CDC, five to twenty percent of Americans will come down with the flu this season, and more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu complications (1).

The most effective way to prevent contracting a cold or flu is natural supplements specifically formulated for this purpose, such as botanically-based nutrients like echinacea, astragulus, elderberry, vitamin C, zinc, spirulina, golden seal, grape seed extract and bromelain, that help boost immunity and increase resistance against viruses and bacterial infections. Some supplement manufacturers make an all-in-one product. Such as: Echinacea, Golden Seal and Grape Seed Extract to prevent contracting a cold or flu. Learn more about these products here: http://www.progressivehealth.com/catalog/Seasonal_Support.htm

The best defense against any virus or bacteria is to keep your immune system strong. Numerous studies have shown that the natural nutrients in Seasonal Support stimulate the immune system, fight viruses and bacteria, and reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms (3-14).

Prescriptions and Over the counter (OTC) cold and flu remedies simply mask symptoms and does not support the body’s natural immune system to do the job it was designed to do. Prescriptions and OTC drugs produce side effects too numerous to include in this article. You can learn the side effects by doing a keyword search on the internet of the product you are considering. Research substantiates that Seasonal Support for the body’s immune system is a safe, effective method that works with your body naturally to provide cold and flu prevention and relief.
If you want to protect yourself during the Flu season, Seasonal Support is the most effective:
http://www.progressivehealth.com/catalog/Seasonal_Support.htm

REFERENCES:

1. Centers for Disease Control: Key Facts About Influenza and the Influenza Vaccine, September 7, 2005, online: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

2. Centers for Disease Control: Flu Q & A, online: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/0506supply.htm

3. Hemila H. Does vitamin C alleviate the symptoms of the common cold? - A review of current evidence. Scan J Infec Dis. 1994; 26:1-6.

4. Van Straten M, Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. May2002;19(3):151-9.

5. Garland ML, et al. The role of zinc lozenges in the treatment of the common cold. Ann Pharmacother. 1998;32:63-69.

6. Vomel VT. The effect of a nonspecific immunostimulant on the phagocytosis of erythrocytes and ink by the reticulohistiocyte system in the isolated, perfused liver of rats of various ages. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Res. 1984;34:691-95.

7. See DM, et al. In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Immunopharmacology. 1997;35(3):229-35.

8. Desser L, Rehberger A, Paukovits W. Proteolytic enzymes and amylase induce cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cancer Biother. 1994;9:253-263.

9. Desser L, et al. Cytokine synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after oral administration of polyenzyme preparations. Oncology. Nov1993;50(6):403-7.

10. Engwerda CR, Andrew D, Ladhams A, Mynott TL. Bromelain modulates T cell and B cell immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Cell Immunol. May2001;210(1):66-75.

11. Engwerda CR, Andrew D, Murphy M, Mynott TL. Bromelain activates murine macrophages and natural killer cells in vitro. Cell Immunol. May2001;210(1):5-10.

12. Brakebusch M, Wintergerst U, Petropoulou T, Notheis G, Husfeld L, Belohradsky BH, et al. Bromelain is an Accelerator of Phagocytosis, Respiratory Burst and Killing of Candida albicans by Human Granulocytes and Monocytes. Eur J Med Res. May2001;6(5):193-200.

13. Chihara G. Recent progress in immunopharmacology and therapeutic effects of polysaccharides. Dev Biol Stand. 1992; 77:191-7.

14. Amin AH, et al. Berberine Sulfate: Antimicrobial Activity,
Bioassay, and Mode of Action. Can J Micro. 1969;15:1067-76.