Keeper of the Home » Vaccinations

One Mom’s Guide to Avoiding Swine Flu Naturally

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:34 +0000

I say one mom's, because we're all different. We each have different ideas of what natural prevention even looks like. I'm not trying to tell you that I totally understand everything about swine flu and that I know exactly what you should do to prevent it. I don't. What I do know is that I've been looking into it for the sake of my own family, wanting to make sure that we all stay healthy, especially with a new baby and young ones in the house. These are just my own ideas and suggestions, and I pray that they will be useful or at least offer a starting place to those of you who are also concerned and wish to prevent your family from catching the flu, in the most natural way possible!

Am I concerned about Swine Flu/H1N1?

You bet.

Am I hysterical, freaked out, anxious or ready to drag my kids off to get their shots asap? Nope, not in the slightest.

Last year when the H1N1 started to rear it's ugly head, I'll confess, I was pretty nonplussed about the whole thing. I believed that it was being thrown entirely out of proportion, that it's risks were being exaggerated by the government and those who stood to gain from public fear and that it did not pose much of a threat to the average person. Half a year later, I still believe some of those things to a degree, but I have also seen the flu begin to spread among my own community (knowing some people personally who have contracted it) and I know that it is at the very least a nasty flu that is spreading more rapidly than I expected.

Do I still believe that there is exaggeration in the claims being made about it's pandemic status, about the number of cases and deaths, about the need to receive (and the safety of) the swine flu shot? Yes. I don't think that we are being told the whole truth.

I don't believe that the numbers coming out are accurate, mainly because many, many people reporting flu symptoms are not actually being tested for which stain of the flu that they have (keep in mind that it is flu season in general, whether the swine flu is going around or not). Not every person with the flu has H1N1. Many places have stopped specifically testing for specific flu strains and have begun to assume that every case in indeed H1N1, which is creating more of a fear and panic than is necessary or realistic. I certainly believe that there are those who would like to (and will) gain from the sense of public fear, namely pharmaceutical companies who are creating and pushing vaccines, and whomever is on the payroll of the large corporations (ie. those who are further promoting a sense of fear).

Whatever the ultimate truth of the swine flu is, these things I know to be certain:

God is sovereign. He alone knows what is truly happening, and in His goodness and wisdom (which we do not always understand) He is in control of the situation. We need not fear.
Even though we have no need to fear, we have every reason to choose to act with caution and purposefulness, and to do our best to keep our families healthy this winter.

So what can we do to prevent ourselves and our family from catching it?

The best defense is a good offense. If we want to avoid catching the flu, even though chances are high that we will be exposed to it at some (or several) points throughout the season, then we must ensure that we have a strong immune system, capable of fighting off this virus and not allowing it to set up camp in our bodies.

Dried elderberry image from Wild Food Larder

Here are some ways that we can boost our own immune systems, as well as the immune systems of our husband and children:

Elderberry- A berry that is particularly helpful in preventing the flu virus from infecting cells. Donielle has a great recipe for elderberry syrup that I plan to try making! It can also be bought at health food stores, in both adult and child-friendly forms.
Echinacea- The popular immune-boosting herb, for good reason. It's best taken as a preventative, though it can also be taken once you've come down with the flu to help increase your body's ability to fight off the virus. Sometimes you can find great Elderberry/Echinacea combos at a health food store. Or you can purchase your own bulk herbs and makes teas, syrups, etc.
Vitamin D- In recent years, this important fat-soluble vitamin has been shown to really impact immunity. We get some from exposure to sunlight but most people don't get enough, especially in the winter months. You can find it in Cod Liver Oil (which I recommend that everyone take year-round but especially in the wintertime), as well as organ meats (like liver), oily fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, etc.), and egg yolks (particularly pastured/free-run eggs).
Vitamin C- This is one of the easiest of all. This water-soluble vitamin (which means you need to consume it frequently as it gets flushed out of your system daily) is found in many fruits and vegetables: parsley, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, leafy greens, cauliflower, among others. You can also take it in a high quality supplement if necessary (though food sources are usually preferable). One very kid-friendly way to take it is Emer'Gen-Cdrinks (mamas like it, too!).
Take probiotics- These improve digestive health (and will help you digest more of the good nutrients you're loading up on), but they also have their own positive impact on immunity. You can also achieve this by eating more fermented foods!
Homeopathics- This year my mother-in-law discovered some homeopathic remedies intended to be both a preventative and a treatment for the regular flu and the swine flu. We are purchasing a bottle of each and all of us will be taking both of them throughout the winter.
Staying well hydrated- When your mucus membranes are moist enough, there is less chance of germs being able to really set in and create an infection.
Getting enough rest- A tired body is not effective at fighting off anything. Ever noticed how when you let yourself get really run down, you almost inevitably get sick? Making sure that you go to bed at a decent hour (I'm preaching to myself, here!) and resting adequately is a really important aspect of a strong immune response.
Garlic- With strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities, this is a food that you should be consuming more this winter! It's most potent when taken raw, which I know can be hard to swallow for some (pardon the pun). When I was sick a few weeks back, my husband and I discovered that it's pretty easy to take like this: Make a piece of toast and butter it. Put a clove (or several cloves for a real kick!) in a garlic press and then spread it on top of the toast. Eat, enjoy and give some to your hubby so he'll still kiss you (because at least you'll both have crazy garlic breath!).
Oil of Oregano- Oregano also has similar anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is excellent to take both preventatively and as soon as you feel something coming on. It seems really pricey (usualy about $20 or so for a very small bottle) but it lasts a long time. You only take a drop or two for prevention, and then more like 2-6 drops several times a day when you're actually sick or fighting something. We buy this every year and we truly notice that it makes a difference. We don't give this to the kids as it's quite strong, but my husband and I both take it.

** Note that I'm not specifying what is okay to take when pregnant or breastfeeding, for different ages of children, for those with specific illnesses or disorders, etc. but instead I have just given general ideas of what to take. Please make sure that you look into whatever you choose to take and ensure that it is safe for you or your loved ones to be taking. Though I make my suggestions based on my own research, I'm not a doctor, naturopath or certified 'anything', so take responsibility for your own health and use discretion in what you take or give to your family!

Lastly (but very importantly!), lay off the sugar. One of the very best ways to deplete and depress a good immune system is to eat sugar, especially refined sugars like white or brown, corn syrup, etc. But even natural, wholesome sweeteners (ie. Rapadura/Sucanat, honey, palm sugar, dried fruits, molasses, etc.) still contain sugar that will depress the immune system (though to a lesser degree). White flours (or other processed grains) also have the ability to do this. Keep your sweet treats to more of a minimum during flu season to help keep that immunity at it's peak!

Other Ways to Lower Your Risk

Wash your hands and face thoroughly, with soap and warm water, after being out in public (and do the same for each of your children). I'm usually not into hand sanitizer (because I don't like to use things that kill all bacteria, and it has both alcohol content and several chemical preservatives that I wish to avoid). However, we are using it this year if there is nowhere to wash our hands. I have been in the hospital and doctor's office (along with my children) several times so far this season and those places are germ hotbeds! Definitely wash or sanitize well in those situations and even consider taking a shower and changing/washing your clothes as well.
Gargle once or twice a day with salt water and especially after you've been out in public or if you're concerned that you may have been exposed. This gets rid of bacteria or germs in the throat and helps them to not spread further into your body.
Avoid those who've been sick or exposed. I know that this can sound mean (or lonely) but sometimes it's wisest just to avoid contact when necessary.
Keep your time in public, crowded places minimal. This might be the year to attend less big holiday events, or try to do your grocery shopping at non-peak hours. You might even consider doing your Christmas shopping online this year. I've been using Swagbucks to buy gifts from Amazon using the gift certificates I earn!
If anyone in your family gets sick or you know that you've been recently exposed, please use common courtesy and avoid contact with others. Even if it means skipping out on a social or family event, or missing out on a church service. Protecting others when you or your family might be contagious is a loving and considerate thing to do!

To Vaccinate or Not?

I choose not. I wrote a post last year on the flu vaccine and why my family doesn't get it, so I won't get into the whole issue all over again (but definitely read the post if you're interested in my reasons). My reasons for not choosing the H1N1 vaccine this year are similar. One particular reason why we especially won't try out this new vaccine is because the risks are really quite unknown. I don't believe that the threat of the virus is bigger than the unknown risks of using the vaccine. Some may disagree with me, and that's quite alright.

Flu shot merits?

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:04:55 +0000

Quite honestly, I'm not sure that it has many.

As always, the topic of vaccination is a touchy one. Many will disagree, some quietly, some loudly (and I don't mind being disagreed with, so long as you keep it polite).

I was asked a while back what I thought of the flu shot, and seeing how flu season is upon us, I thought I would just briefly give the reasons why our family won't be immunized this flu season (or any other).

1) Flu vaccines, just like all other vaccines, have very sketchy ingredients. To name a few:

Mercury (seriously, straight out, there is mercury is some- though not all- vaccines. Mercury is a severe neurotoxin!!!)
Thimerosal (a fancy name for mercury, still in many, many vaccines)
Formaldehyde (you know, the stuff you used in high school science class? It is a serious irritant to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract, as well as being carcinogenic, among other effects)
MSG (neurotoxin)
Antibiotics (several different kinds- these weaken the immune and digestive system)
A whole gamut of other nasty chemicals you really don't want in your body (or your kid's bodies!)

(To view the ingredients in other vaccinations, check out this excellent site)

2) It's not highly effective, nor do I believe it to be necessary.

Part of the gamble of the flu shot is that each year, doctors and scientists must try to make a guess (albeit an educated one) and outsmart the viruses, by selecting the correct 1 or 2 that will happen to be the "biggies" that year. Some years, they do this fairly successfully, and the viruses are slowed down significantly. Other years, they miss the boat, choose the wrong flu strain and the flu spreads like wildfire anyways, meaning all those people just risked themselves by being vaccinated for nothing.

Not to mention, this quote from a CBC (Canadian) news article:

While the flu shot is becoming increasingly important, critics note
that it doesn't work all the time. It's 70 to 90 per cent effective in
healthy adults. The success rate is somewhat lower in children and
seniors.

Proponents of the flu shot cite one of it's major benefits as being the fact that it helps to protect vulnerable parts of the population, in particular seniors and children. If it's efficacy level is only 70-90% in healthy adults, and they're not even willing to quote the success rate (only that it is "somewhat lower"- whatever that means) for children and seniors, then truly, how effective is it in it's stated goals?

One of the most effective ways to avoid getting the flu is to focus on strengthening the immune system, so that it is more capable of fighting off infections when it comes in contact with them. In fact, one of the common complaints of the flu shot (this is not scientific, but merely anecdotal) that I have heard and read is that those who receive the shot often develop a worse case of the flu than they usually would. Why, I'm not exactly clear on, though I would suspect that it could be weakening their natural immune response in the process of "vaccinating" them (does anyone have any thoughts on this?).

3) Lastly, the shot itself can have serious effects.

Consider this preposterous paragraph from the above quoted CBC article:

Still, flu awareness campaigns are helping Canadians stay healthier.
Flu drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are easily available, although
they can have their own dangers: 10 Canadians have died after taking
Tamiflu, while at least 84 more have reported adverse reactions to the
drug. On Nov. 29, 2006, Health Canada issued an advisory about reports
of hallucinations and abnormal behaviour — including reports of
self-harm — in patients taking Tamiflu.

Edit: Thanks to a commenter for pointing out that drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza are not actually vaccines, but intended for once you have already contracted the flu. I stand corrected.

Additionally, the flu shot can cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome in approximately 1 in 100,000 people who receive it. This is an inflammatory condition where the immune system attacks the nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord, which can lead to weakness and tingling and even to severe paralysis.

If these are some of the things that are being observed and reported on, then could it possibly be doing harm within our immune system or other parts of the body that we are not even aware of, causing unknown or long-term effects that may not be immediately evident?

Final thoughts

All that said, the flu is inconvenient, uncomfortable and fortunately only temporary, very rarely causing long-term or more serious results in most people (yes, I know there are exceptions- there are ALWAYS exceptions to every generalization).

Why would I want myself (or my family) to receive a vaccination that includes dangerous and highly toxic ingredients (and if we want to talk small doses of toxins, let's review this video), is less successful than the government and health organizations would have us believe, and is a risky shot in and of itself? Thanks, but I'll pass.

Next week, I'll go a bit more into the best way to truly avoid things like the flu, by building a healthy immune system and taking extra precautions to boost our immunity during the winter months when viruses abound!

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Who me? A parasite?

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:25:44 +0000

Well, I've been called many things in my lifetime, but this is the first time anyone has ever referred to me as a parasite.

Alright, so it wasn't direct, but I'm included in the group of parent's that Amanda Peet so lovingly referred to in a recent article in Cookie. Quite frankly, I barely know who Amanda Peet is, but her stance on childhood vaccinations caught my attention.

"Once we had spoken, I was shocked at the amount of misinformation
floating around, particularly in Hollywood," says Peet, who quickly
boned up on the hot-button controversies surrounding the topic,
including the unproven link between certain vaccines and autism; the
safety of preservatives like mercury-based thimerosal; and the fear
that the relatively high number of shots kids receive today can
overwhelm young immune systems. Her conclusion? Well, not only is
Frankie up-to-date on her vaccines (with no staggering), but her mom
will soon appear in public-service announcements for Every Child by
Two. "I buy 99 percent organic food for Frankie, and I don't like to
give her medicine or put sunscreen on her," says Peet. "But now that
I've done my research, vaccines do not concern me." What does concern
her is the growing number of unvaccinated children who are benefiting
from the "shield" created by the inoculated—we are protected from
viruses only if everyone, or most everyone, is immunized: "Frankly, I
feel that parents who don't vaccinate their children are parasites."

Thank you. I'll take that as a compliment.

If you'd prefer to read something of greater substance, I would highly recommend this Open Letter on Vaccinations by Dr. Jay Gordon, in response to the controversy created by Ms. Peet's words.

Additionally, I would also suggest this excellent article by Dr. Sears, Is Aluminum the New Thimerosal?

Quite truthfully, I'm not offended in the slightest and she is entirely welcome to her viewpoint. I think, however, that it's worth highlighting some more substantial information and research than simply the opinion of a Hollywood star, don't you?

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Why the HPV vaccine is just a bad idea

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:39:47 +0000

Though I haven't talked about it a whole lot (yet), I'm not really a fan of vaccinations. Tonight I read something that I just felt I needed to pass on. Sometimes I try to be all nicey-nice and not just say what I really think, but here's what I was thinking tonight as I was reading this article:

The HPV vaccine (intended to prevent cervical cancer and aimed at teens and young women) is not only worthless, but it is extremely dangerous! Avoid it like the plague! Please!

Phew... that felt good. I'm so glad I got it out. I've been thinking it for quite some time.

Although this article comes from a source that I'm not particularly thrilled with these days (oh, don't get me started on why... negativity, extremism, constantly trying to sell me his extremely expensive products, frou-frou emotional healing techniques that ignore our need for Christ... as I said, don't get me started), I felt it had enough worthwhile information to want to link to it. Please, spare yourself and avoid the comments below the article (if you start reading them, you'll see why).

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Vaccinate or bust(ed)?

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:40:37 +0000

I just had to bring attention to this article on Dr. Mercola's site, and his response to it. The issue of immunizations is one that has long concerned me. It was during my years as a therapist for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that I first became aware of the link between vaccinations and auto-immune and neurological disorders, and shortly after the birth of my first child, when I read a 3 inch stack of information from my midwife, that my husband and I made the decision never to vaccinate any of our children.

This morning I read a disturbing article that was highlighted in the Mercola newsletter. The article is about a recent situation in Maryland, where parents whose public school children where not immunized were threatened with fines and jail time if they did not promptly show up at a court hearing and immunize their children on the spot. Here are some of Dr. Mercola's thoughts:

If this kind of forced medical treatment does not bother you, then
you may have given up the very last shred of personal freedom you, and
your children, have.

If that is the case, make no mistake – it will not end with the
forceful poisoning of your children. There are lots of medications out
there that the pharmaceutical industry would love for everyone
to eat in lieu of breakfast… What medications, and how many, would you
like to be force-fed every day? Or do you truly believe industry,
together with your government, would never take it that far even if
they could? I believe public opposition is the only thing standing in
their way.

Where are We Heading?

To get a glimpse of your potential future without using a crystal
ball, just look at the current trends. For example, according to a BBC
news brief, aired over the Thanksgiving weekend, autism has skyrocketed
from 1 in 10,000 in 1993, to the current rate of 1 in 150. The
mandatory immunizations program and the MMR vaccine were introduced in
1998.

Coincidence?

Hardly. Although you will read reports, and hear through the
conventional media that this has been disproven, don’t you believe it,
as nothing could be further from the truth.

Are they involved in all cases of autism?

Probably not, but they are a major factor in many, especially in
conjunction with the absolute explosion in exposure to
information-carrying radio waves from cell phones, cell phone towers
and WiFi routers. These waves tend to disrupt intercellular
communication microtubules, which greatly increase these children’s
ability to tolerate heavy metal insults that can cause severe free
radical injury.

Read the entire article and Dr. Mercola's response here.

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Vaccinate or bust(ed)?

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:00:00 +0000

If this kind of forced medical treatment does not bother you, then
you may have given up the very last shred of personal freedom you, and
your children, have.

If that is the case, make no mistake – it will not end with the
forceful poisoning of your children. There are lots of medications out
there that the pharmaceutical industry would love for everyone
to eat in lieu of breakfast… What medications, and how many, would you
like to be force-fed every day? Or do you truly believe industry,
together with your government, would never take it that far even if
they could? I believe public opposition is the only thing standing in
their way.

Where are We Heading?

To get a glimpse of your potential future without using a crystal
ball, just look at the current trends. For example, according to a BBC
news brief, aired over the Thanksgiving weekend, autism has skyrocketed
from 1 in 10,000 in 1993, to the current rate of 1 in 150. The
mandatory immunizations program and the MMR vaccine were introduced in
1998.

Coincidence?

Hardly. Although you will read reports, and hear through the
conventional media that this has been disproven, don’t you believe it,
as nothing could be further from the truth.

Are they involved in all cases of autism?

Probably not, but they are a major factor in many, especially in
conjunction with the absolute explosion in exposure to
information-carrying radio waves from cell phones, cell phone towers
and WiFi routers. These waves tend to disrupt intercellular
communication microtubules, which greatly increase these children’s
ability to tolerate heavy metal insults that can cause severe free
radical injury.

Read the entire article and Dr. Mercola's response here.

Our Sponsors:

It Starts at Home: Are we Discipling or Outsourcing the faith of our children? Read It Starts at Home! Then, just nurture them together.
Moukisac: Your 6 in 1 shopping bag system; compact, stylish, versatile and practical, of course! Made by Canadian mom.
hope ink: Custom inspirational art for your home
ListPlanIt: Lists to put your world in order
Vintage Remedies: Get healthy, naturally
Just Bumming Around: When only the best cloth diapers (at great prices) will do. FuzziBunz packages on SALE!

Keeper of the Home » Vaccinations

One Mom’s Guide to Avoiding Swine Flu Naturally

Am I concerned about Swine Flu/H1N1?

So what can we do to prevent ourselves and our family from catching it?

Here are some ways that we can boost our own immune systems, as well as the immune systems of our husband and children:

Other Ways to Lower Your Risk

To Vaccinate or Not?

Other Resources Worth Reading:

More from Keeper of the Home

Flu shot merits?

More from Keeper of the Home

Who me? A parasite?

More from Keeper of the Home

Why the HPV vaccine is just a bad idea

More from Keeper of the Home

Vaccinate or bust(ed)?

More from Keeper of the Home

Vaccinate or bust(ed)?

More from Keeper of the Home