In the height of flu season it's important to realize that our bodies are constantly striving to defend us from bacterial and viral invaders that threaten our internal environment. The immune system is directed by the brain through the nervous system and this process is part of what maintains our health. Some of the best ways to prepare and deal with flu season are methods to help the body carry out natural processes instead of fighting to suppress natural immune processes. The body is very smart- fevers are the body's way of killing harmful bacteria, runny noses are used to moisten and clean dry nasal passages, sneezing and coughing are used to expel particles that are not needed. When we suppress these natural functions of the body we can actually prolong the sickness and symptoms we are experiencing. Sometimes we just need to ride them out and let nature do her thing. 

This years flu shot has been estimated at about 10% effectiveness which is down from an average of around 42% effectiveness. Many people can't justify the risk of getting a flu shot especially when some of the common ingredients like Thimerosal are claimed to be linked to autism, ADD, and Alzheimer's. If you are one of those people who opts out of the yearly flu shot you surely are not alone.

Whether you do or do not get a flu shot here is advice from The National Vaccine Information Center that can help you avoid or minimize the sickness and the flu this year:

• Wash your hands frequently. 
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. If you are sick, stay home. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods rich in vitamins C & D. 
• Daily sun exposure as little as 15 minutes can help the body synthesize optimal vitamin D levels.
• Get adequate sleep, lower stress and exercise regularly when you are well. 
• Consider holistic options like chiropractic, homeopathic, naturopathic and acupuncture to heal and stay well.   

Chiropractic helps to raise the natural immunity in the body and can be an effective strategy in not just avoiding the flu but in experiencing a better and healthier quality of life. A 7-year study in Illinois based on 70,274 HMO member-months revealed that people under regular chiropractic care experienced:

• 60.2% decreased in-hospital admissions
• 59% less hospital days
• 62% less outpatient surgeries and procedures
• 85% less pharmaceutical cost over a comparable group in the same region and time frame

It is evident that for over 120 years chiropractors have been helping people live healthier lives not by "cracking backs" but by removing interference to the nervous system that coordinates the body and all natural functions. Consider the following quotation regarding the trends seen among chiropractic patients during a major flu epidemic 100 years ago.

"Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system."

"Chiropractors are also aware of the importance of positive health life style practices (rest, drinking ample quantities of water, diet, exercise, proper food choices, use of high potency multivitamins and minerals, and stress reduction approaches) that can also positively influence the nervous system and immune response. According to a large study of the chiropractic profession recently conducted by the Institute for Social Research, Ohio Northern University chiropractors also customarily advise their patients as to the benefits of these other modalities in optimizing overall body function.(13)"

"Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence either. During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic's success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession's licensure in many states. Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths -- a loss of one patient out of every 15."

"Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths-- one out of 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery.(14,15)"

Special report. The flu: sorting fact from fiction. J Vert Sublux Res: 2007(NOV:12): Online access only pp. 103.