The 2014 flu epidemic: Let’s do what works!

The flu is here. Very early in the season, it’s already at epidemic proportions, hitting those most vulnerable to its ravages — kids and the elderly — as it does each year. The virus mutated early, greatly limiting the efficacy potential of the flu vaccine.

That said, the vaccine has had limited efficacy for years now. And we’ve known this. Influenza-like activity has been on a steady incline for the last decade, resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the elderly.

I remind you of the statements made by Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, et al, from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, in 2012:

“The perception that current vaccines are already highly effective in preventing influenza is a major barrier to game-changing alternatives. Indeed, hundreds of influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness studies have been conducted since the 1940s, and vaccine efficacy in healthy adults of 70% to 90% is frequently cited. However, the preponderance of the available influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness data is from studies with suboptimal methodology, poorly defined end points, or end points not proven to be associated with influenza infection.” [Osterholm ea.The Compelling Need for Game Changing Influenza Vaccines. 2012 ]

As cited in the New York Times in 2012, Osterholm stated:

“We have over-promoted and overhyped this vaccine. It does not protect as promoted. It’s all a sales job: it’s all public relations.”

In early 2013, I experienced the flu for the first, and hopefully last, time. It wasn’t fun. I blogged all about it, with a particular focus on the influenza vaccine.

But, you know what? This blog isn’t about the vaccine. It’s about what we can do. Now. Today. Immediately, to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our patients. As Osterholm suggests, the perception that the flu vaccine is enough, just isn’t enough.

I’ve updated a table that I created some years ago. Add your suggestions in the comment section below. While I don’t mention any medications in the table, it does appear that Tamiflu may help IF you start it at the very first signs. Which, incidentally applies to the nutrients listed below: The earlier the start with treatment, the better the outcome. 

2014-2015  Treatment Ideas for Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses  – Kara Fitzgerald, ND

Healthy people fare well with influenza. Not surprisingly then, those with nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, don’t do well. But fear not. Integrative medicine shines in this arena. Just think: change your lifestyle, improve your tolerance of influenza. I created this table in response to the H5N1 avian flu scare in 2007 for Metametrix Clinical Lab staff. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a place to start. Discuss botanical and supplement dosages with your physician. Homeopathy is always safe and can be particularly helpful in some cases. When I had the flu (2013), I used Eupatorium with good results. It didn’t get me out of bed, but it reduced my severe body aches enough to comfortably stay in bed. And it might’ve shortened the duration of the flu somewhat.