No Flu Shot? No Problem

by Greg Nigh & Greg Eckel

Flu vaccinations are in high demand and supplies are running low. Not since the mad scramble for Cabbage Patch Dolls has the public made such a dash for a high-demand product. And, as was the case with those hard-to-find Cabbage Patch Dolls a few years ago, there are alternatives that will be more useful not just this season, but for many seasons to come.

Vaccines, although effective for many, are not the only way to reduce the risk of catching the flu this year or any year. While millions are lining up for flu shots, there are millions more such as pregnant women who cannot or should not receive the shot. For those who don’t get a vaccination there are many other options to minimize the risk of catching the flu.

The flu, like any infectious disease, is more likely to happen to someone whose immune system isn't in top condition at the time of exposure to the virus. While there is no absolute guarantee against disease, therapies that enhance overall immune status offer a natural way to increase vitality and resist infection by the flu virus or any other winter bug.

With or without a flu shot, there are five ways to maximize resistance and avoid flu this winter and next:

• Get sufficient rest. There’s a clear relationship between immune status and fatigue level. With travel-filled holidays or pressures at work, it’s important to get a full night’s sleep.
• Reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can lower stress levels. An enormous amount of research has demonstrated that immunity lowers as stress levels rise.
• Don't overeat. Holidays tend to be a time of big meals and lots of sweets. However, both of these take a toll on overall immunity. To maximize resistance, resist the urge to stuff yourself.
• Stay hydrated. Especially around the holidays it is easy to forget to drink adequate water throughout the day. However, water is essential not only for normal function, but for flushing our systems.
• Exercise. Holidays and wintertime make it especially tempting to lounge around the house. However, the combination of too much food and too much stress make exercise even more important. Plus, it not only benefits your immunity, it is important stress relief. It doesn't have to be strenuous; a walk around the block after dinner is a perfectly healthy amount of movement.

These are five simple, no-cost therapies to stimulate natural immunity and thereby reduce the risk of catching the flu. There are certainly more comprehensive programs for flu prevention that can include use of acupuncture, vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. There are also herbal and nutritional therapies that are particularly useful during flu season.

Flu shots can work, too. But a strong immune system combined with a healthier lifestyle and well managed levels of stress will also lower risk of infection and will offer health benefits for years to come.