Terri's Timely Tip

The Truth About Swine Flu

According to Dr. Mercola, swine flu is another example of the media's fear mongering in order to line the pockets of the vaccine and pharmaceutical industry.

Dr Mercola has this to say:
"This is NOT the First Swine Flu Panic...The last time was in 1976, right before I entered medical school and I remember it very clearly. It resulted in the massive swine flu vaccine campaign. Do you happen to recall the result of this massive campaign? Within a few months, claims totaling $1.3 billion had been filed by victims who had suffered paralysis from the vaccine. The vaccine was also blamed for 25 deaths. However, several hundred people developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome after they were injected with the swine flu vaccine. Even healthy 20-year-olds ended up as paraplegics. And the swine flu pandemic itself? It never materialized. More People Died From the Swine Flu Vaccine than Swine Flu!"

Dr Mercola goes on to say, "More than half a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences Inc., Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and other companies with a stake in flu treatments and detection, have seen a rise in their shares in a matter of days, and will likely see revenue boosts if the swine flu outbreak continues to spread. As soon as Homeland Security declared a health emergency, 25 percent — about 12 million doses — of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation’s stockpile. However, beware that the declaration also allows unapproved tests and drugs to be administered to children. Many health- and government officials are more than willing to take that chance with your life, and the life of your child. But are you?"

Fortunately, you can protect yourself from viruses by strengthening your immune system. The first thing to do is to have your vitamin D level optimized. Optimal levels are at least 70. IF you rub your knuckles over your breastbone with a fair amount of pressure and feel discomfort, you likely have sub-optimal vitamin D levels. Ask your healthcare provider to order the 25 hydroxy D test (not the 1,25 hydroxy D test). Avoid Quest labs, which is not accurate.

If your levels are low, supplement with 2000 to 5000 IUs daily until your levels are optimized. You won't get vitamin D toxic on doses under 10,000 IUs daily. You can also go out in the sun until you get a little pink. This only works if you do not use soap or swim in a chlorinated pool for 48 hours after sun, otherwise you will wash off the vitamin D before it is absorbed into your blood stream. (It is OK (and advisable) to shower and use soap on your groin and axilla)

I would also consider buying oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy, and take that as soon as flu-like symptoms arise.

Lastly, your immune system is strengthened by healthy fruits and veggies and weakened by sugar. So, eat accordingly.