Is There a Flu Season?

It’s that time of year again where everyone is starting to wash their hands a little more often, carry tissues or a handkerchief around with them, and stay bundled up with hats, coats, gloves and scarves.

That’s right; flu season is here… or is it??

Many people get sick this time of year due to a weakened immune system and contracting the flu symptoms. Several people will turn to the flu shot for their remedy however; this may not be your best option.

In January 2015, U.S. government officials admitted that, in most years, flu shots are, at best, 50 to 60 percent effective at preventing lab confirmed influenza requiring medical care.1

Then, in December 2015, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis2 of flu vaccine effectiveness revealed that, between 2005 and 2015, the influenza vaccine was less than 50 percent effective more than half of the time.

With each successive annual flu vaccination, the protection afforded by the vaccine appears to diminish.3,4 Research published in 2014 concluded that vaccine-induced protection against influenza was greatest among those who had NOT received a flu shot in the previous five years.5

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid getting sick during the flu season that do not require getting a flu shot every year. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your immune system in optimal working order so you're far less likely to acquire the infection to begin. Even if you do get sick, you will be better prepared to move through it without complications.

· Optimize Vitamin D levels

· Avoid sugar and processed foods

· Get plenty of rest

· Manage your stress

· Exercise

· Supplement Omega-3, zinc and other natural immune boosters such as colloidal silver, oregano and garlic

· Chiropractic adjustments

We hope that you stay healthy and active this ‘not so’ flu season. If you need any recommendations or assistance, please call our office to set up an appointment

-Dr. Carley

1. MMWR January 16, 2015; 64(01): 10-15

2. CDC, December 21, 2015 Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

3.Vaccine December 1998;16(20):1929-32

4. STAT News November 11, 2015

5. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2014; 59 (10): 1375-1385