Cold & Flu Season 2014

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: 

Things to Consider Before Getting the Flu Vaccine

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.      PhysioLogics Quercetin C 2 capsules daily

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

3.      Vital Plan Immune Advantage 2 capsules daily

This regimen worked the first year.  But in 2013 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.

I then learned about a product called Monolaurin .  I knew about it but just hadn’t understood it or utilized it.  During the 2013-2014 flu season, I added taking Ecological Formulas Monolaurin 600 mg 2 times a day to my prevention regimen.  I have not been sick for any extended period of time since!  At my first sign of a cold (which is usually a sore throat), I tripled my dose of Vitamin C, Vital Plan Immune Advantage, and Ecological Formulas Monolaurin for 1-2 days and all of the symptoms resolved.  I also tripled my dose for a day if I was around anyone that I knew was sick (like some of my patients!).

So now my daily prevention nutraceutical regimen includes the following:

1.      PhysioLogics Quercetin C 2 capsules daily

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

3.      Vital Plan Immune Advantage 2 capsules daily

4.      Ecological Formulas Monolaurin 2 capsules daily

I HAVE PROVIDED THE LINKS TO OUR COLD & FLU HANDOUT AS WELL AS A MONOLAURIN INFORMATION SHEET ON.  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.  Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:45 AM-5:00 PM (closed 11:45 AM- 12:45 PM).  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!

Sincerely,

Tabetha L. Smith, FNP-C

September 2014

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