Cold & Flu Season

Cold & Flu season is upon us & I want to share with you how I prepare and prevent viruses.

I know that obtaining the flu vaccine is a VERY controversial subject.  I personally chose 2 years ago to stop receiving it even though it is highly recommended for health care professionals.  However, I encourage everyone to research the subject themselves and make an informed decision.  I think one of the best resources of information on the flu vaccine can be found at the following link:  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/22/flu-vaccine-effectiveness.aspx.

When I chose not to receive the flu vaccine, I also chose to be very vigilant in taking the following nutraceutical regimen to hopefully prevent the flu as well as other viruses:

1.      Vitamin C 1000 mg daily

2.      Vitamin D3 5,000 IU (take enough to obtain a Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy blood level of 65-100)

3.      Vital Plan Cold & Flu Support 2 caps daily (and extra when I saw a sick patient!)

This regimen worked the first year.  But last year there was a particularly nasty virus going around that mimicked the flu.  Despite my vigilance, I did get this virus.  I followed all the recommendations that I give on our Cold & Flu Handout and it didn’t work.  I had the symptoms of this virus for around 21 days (I counted in my misery!).  I did not take any antibiotics even though it went past the 14 day mark because I knew it was a virus and my body would eventually win.

Since last year, I have learned about a product called Monolaurin.  I knew about it but just hadn’t understood it or utilized it!  This season, I added taking Monolaurin 600 mg 2 times a day to my prevention regimen.  My hope is that it will prevent me from getting ANY virus!  We will see!

I HAVE ATTACHED THE COLD & FLU HANDOUT AS WELL AS AN INFORMATION SHEET ON MONOLAURIN.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EVEN IF YOU RECEIVED THE FLU VACCINE.

All of the nutraceutical products mentioned on the handouts are available here at Insight Family Health Center/Restore Health & Wellness Center.  Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:45 AM-5:00 PM (closed 11:45 AM- 12:45 PM).  I’ve attached a discount coupon that you can print and use at Insight for your purchase.  You can also purchase them at www.vitalplan.com or at Medical Center Pharmacy.

I encourage you to be proactive in protecting your health this cold & flu season.  Don’t just depend on the flu vaccine.  Last year it was less than 60% effective!

Tabetha L. Smith, FNP-C