Flu sesaon tidbits

We thought the October newsletter Health & Healing brought up some good points:

• Infectious diseases are caused by one of two things: either an excessivley virulent bug, or a weakness in the host. It cannot be due to the virus suddenly becoming more virulent; viruses are equally infectious year round. Therefore, it has to have something to do with the colder, darker winter months. We are weakened during this time because we do not get enough vitamin D.
  
  
• Proponents of the flu shot report that the number of flu-related deaths would be much higher if it were not for the shots. However, researchers from the National Institutes of Health compared winter mortality rates in this age group with vaccination rates over the past 25 years. Although vaccination rates increased 15-20 percent before 1980 to 65 percent in 2001, the influenza-related death rate remained the same.

Bonnie - in addition, experts from the WHO get together every year and make an educated guess as to which influenza viruses are most likely to strike. More often than not, they do not guess perfectly. If tolerated, it is crucuail to supplement with adequate levels of vitamin D. Cod Liver Oil is my first choice for its bioavailability and extra benefit from omega 3's.