The Flu Shot is a DUD! Here’s What To Do
The flu is coming this year, and it looks bad.
We know this because the flu season in Australia (whose flu season occurs before ours) has been the worst in recent years.
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the flu vaccine is only 10 percent effective this year.
Last year the flu shot was only 30 percent effective (but that was a banner year). The year before it was about 12 percent effective.
As you can see, counting on the flu shot to keep you from getting the flu is a dangerous gamble.
Let me show you how to avoid the flu if you can (and fight it if you can’t).
Sit in any airport and watch how many people pass through the terminal in a day and you get an appreciation of how quickly an infectious disease can travel around the world.
Your airport may be busy, but there are thousands of airports just like it all over the world. Never has there been such a chance of an infection spreading so rapidly to every reach of the world.
The flu is nothing to sneeze at. It is a very serious disease.
The 1918 flu infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide and killed about 10 percent of the people who got it (that’s 50 million people!).
As with almost any illness, prevention is your best strategy. The number one prevention tool for the flu is within your reach.
Despite all the high-tech wizardry we have, the best protection is still the simplest: wash your hands.
The problem isn’t with what you get on your hands; the problem is when you move your hands to your face. Estimates are that most people touch their face somewhere between 5 and 20 times every hour.
That means whatever is on that doorknob, sink, desk (or the person’s hand you just shook) will make it to your nose, mouth, or eye.
Once there, it is a short trip and you have the flu.
And, yes, when you cough and sneeze, make sure you cover your nose and mouth and throw away tissues after you use them.
That’s prevention, lets talk treatment.
Dr. Scott’s Anti-Flu Program:
- Eat Well: I like to include lots of garlic and onions in my food during flu season. Onions and garlic have long been used for their healing properties and they are a tasty addition to any meal (especially soups). There are many herbs and vitamins that can help your immune system; make sure you get enough of them.
- Vitamin D: Take 3,000-5,000 IUs of vitamin D every day.
- Berberine, Turmeric, and Olive Leaf: These herbs help to give your immune system the boost it needs to help kick the flu out the door.
- Probiotic/Polyphenols: There is a ton of research on probiotics and immunity. I take my probiotic in a super-food blend so I get both gut health and the added antioxidant power of plant foods.
Most people get 2-3 colds or flus a year. I find that when I take care of myself, I may have a day or two of symptoms, but rarely get a full-blown sickness – this is a sign of a strong immune system.
You too can have a strong immune system by following the above advice.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...