Thierry Clerc practices in Cambridge (UK) as a clinical homeopath and a nutritionist. He is a regular contributor of several national and international health magazines.
The 2009 swine flu pandemic, and the reported side-effects of the swine flu vaccines has raised awareness and concerns about the influenza viruses in many health-conscious people. You will find some useful information below to help you understand a bit more about the flu, how the flu vaccines is made, and some suggestions on how to boost up your immune system.
What causes the flu and how is the flu vaccine made?
There are more than 200 types of flu viruses, which are divided into 3 groups: A, B and C. It is important to note that other viruses or bacteria can also provoke what is called the flu, or flu-like symptoms.
The flu viruses are divided as follows:
• Type A is usually the more serious type. The virus is most likely to mutate into a new version, which people are not resistant to.
• Type B generally causes a less severe illness and is responsible for smaller outbreaks. Type B mainly affects young children.
• Type C usually causes a mild illness similar to the common cold.
In February each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) makes an assessment of the strains of flu virus that are most likely to be circulating during the winter. Based on this assessment, three flu strains out of more than 200 are selected for the vaccine. One of the concerns about the flu vaccine in particular is that it cannot possibly protect you against all types of flu viruses.
Another issue is the list of adjuvant added to the vaccine. For example the Flurivin vaccine contains the following Beta-Propiolactone , Egg Protein, Neomycin, Polymyxin B, Polyoxyethylene 9-10, Nonyl Phenol (Triton N-101, Octoxynol 9), Thimerosal (multidose containers), Thimerosal. For a list of other vaccines’ ingredients, click here.
As it was widely reported after the 2009 flu pandemic, there has been several health warnings on the flu vaccines, including 200 cases of narcolepsy in children in Finland and Sweden, and many concerns among health professionals about the approach of vaccinating against swine flu.
What are the ways to protect naturally against the flu?
The flu (or Influenza) virus is spread by inhaling droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out by an infected person or by having direct contact with an infected person’s secretions. Handling household articles that have been in contact with an infected person or an infected person’s secretions may sometimes spread the disease.
It is however important to understand that viruses and bacteria are more likely to thrive in places where they find ingredients to grow and replicate. This includes first your body. If a person carrying the flu virus sneezes and coughs out in a busy London Underground train, most of the people surrounding him or her will be exposed, but only a few will get sick.
For this reason, the first strategy is to get rid and try to reduce exposure to toxins, that may impact our body.
The second pillar to a strong immune system is a healthy diet, fitting your metabolic type, and not based on supplements.
Then, one needs to work on the emotional and mental balance, as any by-product to stress can seriously depress the immune system.
To summarise: germs grow on rubbish, so make sure your body is as clean of rubbish as possible, including external and internal toxins.
Natural Approaches based on herbal remedies and homeopathy
For people under stress, immuno-compromised or who want an extra protection, there are several approaches to be considered:
– The traditional approach in Europe, has been to use the Echinacea herb. However, you need to get a high-quality tincture of the Echinacea purpurea genome, and the tincture should include both herb and roots. High quality herbal tinctures can containe almost 3 times more active substances compared with those obtained from equivalent amounts of dried herb. Feel free to contact me if you want some suggestions of good herbal brands.
– Homeopathy made its reputation during the acute epidemics in Europe and in the West, before the arrival of sanitation. It is a proven holistic approach that works by strengthening the potentially weak areas in you, that can impact your immune system. Thierry’s approach will include a full analysis of the nutritional value of your diet, as well as what can be improved in your lifestyle. Homeopathy, alongside nutrition, is a good addition to help you make the changes necessary for optimal health.
Have a good flu-free winter
Thierry Clerc