H1N1 Watch - Page 4

emge · #61 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 4:07 AM**

Hey, another xx-chromosomed Asimov fan here... hasty generalizations much? It seems to me boards like this do attract more fans of sci-fi in general than the average population - cities, development, futurism, culture, possibilities...

I have absolutely nothing further to add on the vaccine debate, however. Carry on.

SteelTown · #62 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 12:52 PM**

Four kids in ICU with H1N1
Hospitals, doctors' offices swamped with flu patients

October 30, 2009
Joanna Frketich
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/663360

Four kids with H1N1 are in intensive care at McMaster Children's Hospital.

That means flu is taking up half of the pediatric ICU beds in the city.

"We're definitely seeing a wave of healthy children who have been infected," said Dr. Cynthia Cupido, medical director of the pediatric ICU.

More than 50 per cent of public schools now have outbreaks. In total, 74 public and Catholic schools in Hamilton have been hit by H1N1.

Staggering numbers of students are staying home from school -- ranging from 7 to 20 per cent. About 300 teachers, or 10 per cent of school staff, aren't at work.

Cupido said McMaster's pediatric ICU is one of the harder hit in the province by H1N1.

"Our resources are stretched," she said.

Hamilton's adult intensive care units are feeling a similar strain, with the number of H1N1 patients doubling in one week to seven confirmed and one possible case.

"We're probably seeing at least double what we'd expect to see for this time of year in the ICU," said Dr. Peter Kraus, chief of critical care at Hamilton Health Sciences.

Wait times for flu shots continued to be hours long yesterday as Hamiltonians lined up for the only protection from H1N1 that public health can offer. Waits were about five hours at the clinic on the West Mountain, with 1,000 people in line. The Dundas clinic wasn't much better, with 700 waiting for a shot.

"I do appreciate that people are waiting a long time in line to get immunized and I'm asking everyone who is not in the priority groups to please be patient," said Health Minister Deb Matthews. "There will be enough vaccine in Ontario for everyone who wants and needs a vaccine. But we do need to make sure that those who need the vaccine the most, get it first."

However, Health Canada has informed provinces and territories it expects the supply of H1N1 vaccine being shipped across Canada to be lower next week because of a bottleneck in the production line.

Hamilton is expanding its flu shot clinics next week to four and opening two flu assessment clinics starting tomorrow for those who have influenza symptoms but can't get in to see their family doctors.

The clinics, which will not give out vaccinations, will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the week at the West End Clinic at 690 Main St. W. and the St. Joseph's East End Ambulatory Care Centre at 2757 King St. E.

The province has put a self-assessment tool on its website at health.gov.on.ca to help people determine what they should do if they think they have the flu.

The assessment clinics and website are expected to take the pressure off overwhelmed doctors' offices and emergency rooms.

Dr. Richard Tytus, family physician and president of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine, said doctors' offices are getting four to five times more calls than usual.

"We're swamped," he said.

Emergency rooms have also felt the strain. Nearly 50 per cent of emergency room visits at Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Burlington on Wednesday were from people with flu symptoms. Both McMaster Children's Hospital and Joseph Brant have set up flu clinics outside of the emergency room to deal with the increased number of patients.

So far, Hamilton and Burlington hospitals have been able to cope with the influx. The children's hospital is prepared to open up four more intensive care unit beds, if needed, on top of its usual eight.

Hamilton has had eight children in intensive care since H1N1 emerged in April, with seven of those during the second wave that started this month.

The majority of them were previously healthy with no other medical conditions.

A number of them have had to be put on ventilators, including one right now. There have been no child deaths in Hamilton from H1N1, although there have been three in Ontario. Hamilton has had four adults with H1N1 die. The virus contributed to or caused three of those deaths.

adam · #63 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 1:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

Asked and Answered.

Preliminary results from H1N1 Vaccine.

Since the H1N1 vaccine is identical to the regular seasonal influenza vaccine with the exeption of a different dead virus here are some links to clinical studies conducted on these vaccines.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/r...=3&sect=X36015

More.

More.

I shouldn't have to do your research for you. Here's the site, this is just the US. I didn't even bother searching for any other country's vaccine trials.

Feel free to ignore these links, I realise that it's all very dry stuff it's not easy to read at all. But the results are all there, all the reactions that trial groups had, split into immunogenicity results, adverse events and serious adverse events. Nobody is hiding anything. Please please please inform yourself.

One of your links was a study done on 60 people, and the other was a study with 46 people... is this an accurate sample of the population? Really?

BrianE · #64 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 2:43 PM**

Like I said, there are more studies than the two that I listed. The first I listed was a trial with 350.

I know that you're not familiar with how research is conducted so I will point out that vast vast vast majority of clinical studies are conducted with trial sizes that are manageable. The trends start to become statistically significant and representative of the general population once the results from many many studies are combined in what's called a Meta Analysis. That is usually when the media gets a hold of the studies and reports on the results. Almost every news story that reports scientific findings is based on a meta anaysis that looks at the collective results of many clinical trials.

Anti vaccine groups have made a living off of cherry picking the studies that best fit their already skewed world view and reporting only on the negative results within those cherry picked studies. This is not real science. This is wrong on many different levels.

markbarbera · #65 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 3:12 PM**

This Q&A was in today's Spec. It addresses a lot of the common questions being raised here and elsewhere:

Quote:

Your questions on H1N1 answered by Dr. Chris Mackie, Hamilton's associate medical officer of health

October 30, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 30, 2009)
Q: If the need to give the vaccine is so high, why are there not more centres in better locations providing the shots? One location in Dundas for a city of 400,000-plus people is a bit ridiculous.

A: Great question. The main problem is supply of the vaccine. We are giving it out as fast as it comes in.

Q: Why are the lineups so long? We're asking people with babies and young children to get their kids vaccinated as well as older people who have health problems. And we expect them to wait for hours and hours in line. Is there not a better way to do this?

A: Anyone who is too sick or otherwise unable to wait in line can talk to the staff who are managing the line and they will take them to the front.

Q: I want to get the vaccine ASAP, however, I know there is no way my 18-month-old will tolerate being in a lineup for even an hour. Is there any indication of when we might see the lineups reduced or doctors giving these out so that my family can get the vaccine?

A: Some family docs have the vaccine -- we are hoping that most will by mid next week -- but some family docs are choosing not to vaccinate this year because the ministry has placed significant administrative controls in place that protect the vaccine supply, but make it difficult for family docs to administer it.

Q: My wife is pregnant, due Dec. 21. She also works at a hospital, and has been warned by various health professionals not to get the H1N1 shot. She has decided to get it, but wants the non-adjuvant vaccine. When will this be available? I should note one of the people who told her not to get the shot works in the infectious diseases department at her hospital.

A: I'm sorry to hear that your wife is getting mixed messages. The medical evidence shows that this vaccine is safe and effective, and that women in the second half of pregnancy should get the shot ASAP, adjuvanted or not. Unadjuvanted should be available as of Nov. 9 at the latest, hopefully sooner.

Q: My three-year-old son has symptoms of a cold (no vomiting or diarrhea). Can he still get the H1N1 flu shot?

A: Mild illness is not a problem, get the shot. Just make sure you tell the people at the clinic so that they can keep ill people away from healthy people.

Q: I am 42 and considered high risk as I have a form of lupus, but I am hesitating getting the vaccine because I am scared of the side-effects like GBS (Guillain Barre Syndrome). Why should I get it?

A: GBS is extremely rare. It happens in less than one in a million doses, and it's more common to get GBS as a reaction to the flu itself than the flu shot. This is a safe vaccine and you are at risk from the flu -- you should get the shot.

Q: The adjuvant AS03, as I understand, contains Squalene, Polysorbate 80, Tocopherol, mercury and other ingredients. Aren't there studies that show that there can be potential health issues relative to some or all of these additives?

A: These components have been used in many vaccines and found to be safe. Squalene is a normal metabolite found in everyone's blood at all times. Tocopherol is vitamin E. Polysorbate is in all kinds of things we consume, including ice cream. Thimerosal is a preservative to maintain vaccine sterility, and the mercury in it is bonded to an ethyl group (not a methyl group, like the mercury in fish), so your body excretes it right away and there are no health problems. All existing data points to the vaccine and adjuvant being safe.

Q: My entire family got the H1N1 shot Monday. The kids and I both had low-grade fevers and I also had shortness of breath. Could this be a side-effect of the vaccination?

A: This is unlikely to be related to the vaccine. The vaccine has no active virus in it (only very specific chopped up bits of virus) so it can't cause an infection.

Q: I have bronchitis. I am on anitibiotics until the end of the week. Should I get the vaccine still?

A: Antibiotics are not a problem - get the shot.

realcity · #66 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 3:28 PM**

@ adam

Don't get the vaccine then. No one is forcing you.

Darwin's Law will win in the end.

coalminecanary · #67 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 3:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

Anti vaccine groups have made a living off of cherry picking the studies that best fit their already skewed world view and reporting only on the negative results within those cherry picked studies. This is not real science. This is wrong on many different levels.

Made a living?

I have watched this debate with interest, but I have to say that anyone questioning the vaccine gets jumped on rabidly as if they are the leader or blind follower of an anti vaccine group. Most people who are questioning the necessity of the vaccine for themselves are simply trying to sort through all the BS and get to the underlying facts.

Some people just like to be armed with knowledge before blindly following the masses. Then they are attacked with statements such as:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

I hope that everyone here also follows this link just so they can see the levels of dishonesty and down right criminal levels of mis-information being spread about by the anti vaccine movement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

Aaaaaannnd here we go. The last refuge of the anti vaccine kook.

It's not kooky to question matters of your own health. I'm sorry to pick on you Brian, but your posts are the most intense. I (as I'm sure we all do) appreciate the information you are posting. But you have to stop sounding "high and mighty" about it.

The bottom line is:
FACT: you might get the flu and it could have very bad results for you if you are one of the few unlucky ones. There could be greater effects on a societal level if there was no vaccine at all (pandemic, etc).

FACT: there are known bad effects of vaccines in general, which could be very bad if you are one of the few unlucky ones. There could be other unknown effects or long term effects that haven't been (or can't feasibly be) studied.

This isn't about taking sides. It's wrong to brush aside the known negatives of each choice. In the end it's a personal choice and it's absolutely not wrong to question which choice is best for you.

And while I'm rambling, I want to reply to:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianE

'We can't trust any data that contradicts my insane position because a pharmaceutical company paid to do quality control and quality assurance on their own product'

or

Big pharma stands to make a profit on vaccines therefore any pro vaccine data that comes out must be made up or biased in some way.

If, in fact, the sellers of the vaccines are the primary producer of testing data then damn straight it's appropriate to question that data. Luckily, it appears as if independent testing has been done, but as with everything in life, it really does pay to follow the money. To NOT question such a thing is ludicrous. Where would we be if we blindly trusted the initial cigarette health testing performed by tobacco companies as well as initial results produced by independent people being heavily lobbied or subsidized by them?

If the tests are completely independent of any person, brand, company or other group who may stand to benefit from vaccine deployment, then pointing that out is rebuttal enough. If the tests are not truly independent then it's 100% correct to not trust them blindly.

In either case, the initial question is totally valid and not kooky.

Zaz · #68 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 4:18 PM**

Brian, you did your best. It's time for nature to take its course...

BrianE · #69 Posted **Oct 30, 2009, 5:56 PM**

I agree with much of what you say coalmine in fact it's hard to disagree with the idea of taking charge of your own health. I just think that a growing number of people are making medical choices not based on science or evidence but more on their mistrust of government, medical authority, the corporation and on science itself. Or being Contrarian for contrarian's sake.

I am also not over exagerating when I say that there is a growing anti vaccine movement. And I'm also not out to lunch when I say that there are many people making a living off of the demonization of vaccines and the medical industry in general. I have yet to visit a site that could be classified as anti vaccine that wasn't trying to sell me some alternative or some book that would provide all the answers.

Please note this Australian site that is ground zero for the movement. Their catchy slogan even says, investigate before you vaccinate. Yet all their information resources cherry pick the faults of vaccines and some entry's contain information that has been proven false. To their credit this site does include links to the manufacturers fact sheets.

These sites all put forward a reasonable face but when pressed on their actual opinions their propaganda gives them away. The former advertising slogan used by these groups "Love them, Protect them, NEVER inject them." presents some confusing conclusions.

Some sites are truly heart wrenching to read. Many of them are not opportunists and are mearly desperately trying to warn other parents of a perceieved danger. Unfortunately it's very obvious after only a few moments that many of these sites (at least to me) rely amost entirely on anecdotal evicence and badly mangled interpretations of science and chemistry.

In short I see many correlations between global warming denial (don't want to go off topic or anything) and anti vaccine claims. There is a constant baseline of easily debunked and recirculating claims against vaccines (and global warming) that are designed to shock and outrage the unimformed and keep the medical establishment occupied in providing lengthy and complicated answers.

To use adam's first post as an example: the implication of toxic levels of heavy metals in vaccines. It takes 5 seconds to put that fear out there and about 2 hours of research and writing to disprove it.

realcity · #70 Posted **Oct 31, 2009, 4:05 PM**

Small Pox -- gone
Measels/Rubella -- gone
Polio -- gone
Chicken Pox -- gone
Mumps -- gone
Tetanus -- gone
HPV -- gone
Meningitis -- gone
Hepatitis C -- gone

*so long as you get vaccinated

hamtransithistory · #71 Posted **Oct 31, 2009, 4:58 PM**

From Today's Hamilton Spec, pg A9

When her own 2-year-old son had H1N1 in September, Margaritis says she allowed the fever to run its course. She let it get up to 106 F “because I’m a naturopath and I know what I’m doing” before “breaking it” with belladonna, a perennial plant used in a homeopathic remedy for fever.

As I understand it, anything over 104 F is dangerous, especially in kids. 106 F without emergency medical help may get children's services involved

BrianE · #72 Posted **Oct 31, 2009, 7:42 PM**

*sigh*

Don't even get me started on Homeopathy.

Homeopathic remedies generally contain few or no pharmacologically active molecules,[21] and for such remedies to have pharmacological effect would violate fundamental principles of science.[12][22] Modern homeopaths have proposed that water has a memory that allows homeopathic preparations to work without any of the original substance; however, the physics of water are well understood, and no known mechanism permits such a memory.[22][23] The lack of convincing scientific evidence supporting homeopathy's efficacy[24] and its use of remedies lacking active ingredients have caused homeopathy to be described as pseudoscience or quackery.[25][26][27][28][29]

FairHamilton · #73 Posted **Oct 31, 2009, 10:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcity

Small Pox -- gone
Measels/Rubella -- gone
Polio -- gone
Chicken Pox -- gone
Mumps -- gone
Tetanus -- gone
HPV -- gone
Meningitis -- gone
Hepatitis C -- gone

*so long as you get vaccinated

There is no Hep C vaccine, please stop spreading inaccurate information.

realcity · #74 Posted **Nov 1, 2009, 6:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

There is no Hep C vaccine, please stop spreading inaccurate information.

Sorry .... Hep A...

realcity · #75 Posted **Nov 1, 2009, 6:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

There is no Hep C vaccine, please stop spreading inaccurate information.

@ Fair

BTW

did you ignore the other 8 diseases that I listed... that are almost non-existent in just the last 3 generations thanks to vaccines .... on purpose.... or to be a jerko... just to point out i mixed up Hep A and Hep C??

at you "please stop *spreading inaccurate information* being a douche bag"

*okay okay... i'll get the PMs for being rude... this forum used to be a lot more fun.... less serious... lets get back to drawing and talking about skyscrapers* peace-the-eff-out...

Blurr · #76 Posted **Nov 1, 2009, 7:22 PM**

Hahaha.

Reminds me of my university friend.

She would always say "please" before making a big douche statement.

Which I would respond "please stop being a douche".

good list - thanks.

rousseau · #77 Posted **Nov 1, 2009, 9:15 PM**

If water has a memory, then I wouldn't want to take any homeopathic remedy simply because, well, if I'm not all that interested in remembering every poop I ever took, why would I want to ingest a liquid that remembers every poop of every animal taken in its vicinity from time immemorial? And what if a murder or death happened in or near the water that eventually became a homeopathic remedy? Wouldn't that be bad karma?

Or, maybe there are rules about distances and intensities, and such?

Quote:

Physicist Robert L. Park, former executive director of the American Physical Society, has noted that
“...since the least amount of a substance in a solution is one molecule, a 30C solution would have to have at least one molecule of the original substance dissolved in a minimum of 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 molecules of water. This would require a container more than 30,000,000,000 times the size of the Earth.

Homeopathy

I know my local homeopath has a pretty big container, though I'm not sure it's quite 30,000,000,000 times the size of the earth. I'll have to ask her!

realcity · #78 Posted **Nov 1, 2009, 11:49 PM**

eff off to the natural/homeopaths

FairHamilton · #79 Posted **Nov 2, 2009, 12:40 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcity

@ Fair

BTW

did you ignore the other 8 diseases that I listed... that are almost non-existent in just the last 3 generations thanks to vaccines .... on purpose.... or to be a jerko... just to point out i mixed up Hep A and Hep C??

at you "please stop *spreading inaccurate information* being a douche bag"

*okay okay... i'll get the PMs for being rude... this forum used to be a lot more fun.... less serious... lets get back to drawing and talking about skyscrapers* peace-the-eff-out...

I merely pointed out your post included inaccurate information, that if left uncorrected had the potential of leaving people with the false impression there was a Hep C vaccine?

I had no idea if you mixed it up with Hep A, or you really believed there to be a Hep C vaccine. How would I? You felt the need to insult me, sorry for you.

adam · #80 Posted **Nov 2, 2009, 2:01 AM**

Quote:

Natural Protection from H1N1

There has been a lot of hype in recent years about the potential for a global viral pandemic. SARS, avian flu and West Nile virus are examples from the recent past that could have had far worse consequences than what actually occurred. Now it’s H1N1, the latest version of swine flu, that is the big concern.

Indeed, there is no doubt that sooner or later we may be facing a major epidemic similar to what occurred in 1918, or even worse. There are many environmental, social and economic factors that make such a possibility increasingly more likely with each passing year. However, there are solutions to this problem. Unfortunately, most of the approaches that have been adopted by mainstream medicine and governments around the world are only marginally effective and don’t address the root causes of the problem.

A number of factors have led to the development of new strains of viruses. There is evidence that the overuse of some pharmaceutical drugs encourages the mutation of viruses. Increased global travel is an obvious avenue for microbes to spread into regions where they formerly did not exist. Global warming has resulted in milder winters in temperate regions. Colder winter temperatures tend to decrease the spread of infectious diseases, warmer winters less so.

Habitat destruction can create conditions which increase the likelihood that viruses jump from other species to humans. This can result from exposure of human populations to viruses that were formerly limited to remote regions. Viruses are also more likely to mutate and jump from one species to another when populations of their traditional host species are in decline, another result of habitat destruction.

Food markets in countries where there is a common practice of eating wild animals, such as in many parts of Africa and Asia, are areas where new strains of viruses often emerge. In these environments there are many species of animals that wouldn’t normally come in contact with each other. The animals are caged in unhealthy and stressful conditions in close proximity to each other and other domestic species. Stressed animals are less likely to be able to resist infection when they are exposed to novel pathogens, making it easier for a virus to infect a new species. Any viruses that are able to survive in these immune compromised animals will rapidly mutate to become better adapted to infecting the new species.

Of course the most common animals in these markets are humans, many of whom may also be immune compromised from living in unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. They can easily become suitable hosts for pathogens to develop the capacity to infect humans.

The normal approach to treating these kinds of health concerns has been through the use of drugs, vaccines, and attempting to destroy intermediate host populations, such as mosquitoes. None of these approaches are very effective. There are few effective antiviral drugs and those that are available tend to be very expensive and associated with significant toxicity and side-effects. The more they are used, the more rapidly viruses develop a resistance to them, while new drugs takes years to develop and are very expensive. In addition, viral infections are often treated with antibiotics. Not only are antibiotics ineffective against viral infections, the misuse of these drugs promotes the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, organisms that traditionally are controlled by these drugs.

In my opinion, vaccination programs such as influenza shots are generally a waste of money. Most of these viruses mutate so fast that new strains can evolve within a couple of months, yet vaccines take many months to develop and produce. Usually by the time the vaccine is available, the virus has already mutated. Public health professionals tend to promote fear among the general population as a means of advocating their programs. They often portray the risks as being many times greater than they really are. This approach is counter-productive since fear is one of the most powerful immune suppressors. A fearful population will be more susceptible to illness.

In reality, the majority of people who are exposed to these viruses will not get sick. Most of those who do will only experience mild to moderate ‘flu-like symptoms. Only an extremely small minority of the population is likely to develop serious complications. Rather than handing over billions of dollars to pharmaceutical companies to pay for ‘flu shots, it makes more sense to identify the high risk populations and address the reasons why they are at risk.

Factors That Weaken the Immune System

The main reason for the variability in response to infection among the general population has to do with immune function. Individuals most likely to develop more severe symptoms are those with undeveloped or compromised immune function such as infants, seniors and the chronically ill. People who live in poverty are also at risk because they tend to be malnourished.

If we focus on identifying and remedying those factors that lead to compromised immune function, we can put together an action plan that will lead to an increased resistance to these viruses, both in the general population and in higher risk groups. There are also many herbs and other natural health products that, if used correctly, can help to optimize immune function.

The major factors that lead to compromised immune function primarily result from poor lifestyle choices and the kinds of environmental and psychological stress factors that are common in our society. Some of these include:

Poor diet – especially if it over-emphasizes heavily processed, chemically laden foods and insufficient consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Exposure to chemical pollutants in the environment, workplace and home, such as heavy metals, chemical solvents, air pollution, agricultural chemicals and household cleaning products.

Regular use of social and pharmaceutical drugs – which include caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and all hard drugs, and pharmaceuticals.

Lack of exercise. Most people should get at least one hour of mild to moderate exercise per day (such as walking) and a minimum 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic workout three times per week.

Insufficient sleep. Most adults require eight to nine hours per day, teenagers and children need more.

Too much stress. Exercise and sleep can help reduce stress, but most people in our society are so overstressed that some kind of stress management program is necessary. Disciplines such as tai chi, yoga or meditation are helpful, as is spending time in nature. We also need to stop buying into the mindset that we have to be accessible 24/7. People in our society need to learn how to create boundaries and allow themselves some quality time to nurture themselves.

Negative emotions. These days anger, fear, frustration, envy and hatred are more common than happiness, contentment, compassion and love.

Vaccinations. This is a very controversial subject. Although childhood vaccinations may provide some protection from the viruses they are intended to treat, many are not as effective as the medical establishment would have us believe, and there is growing evidence that vaccinations may lead to depleted immune function. This can increase the likelihood of infection from other illnesses or the development of chronic and autoimmune conditions later in life. Part of the problem is that the immune system of infants and young children isn’t developed enough to handle large amounts of viral antigen or the many chemicals included in vaccines injected directly into their blood. In my opinion, most vaccinations are unnecessary, however there are a few for which there may be a stronger case. Ultimately this is a personal choice. It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Let the facts guide your decision, not the hysteria that is propagated by extreme factions on either side of the argument.

One thing I do recommend, however, is that for those who do decide to vaccinate, put it off until your children are four or five years old. By that time their immune system will have developed a bit more. I also recommend utilizing immune enhancing protocols for some time prior to and after vaccinations.

Immune Strengthening Herbs and Nutrients

Now let’s look at some of the protocols you can use to boost your immune response and increase your resistance to viral and other infectious diseases. The first thing to consider is that herbs and other natural health products are valuable health-promoting aids, but they are no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If we don’t practice preventive medicine, and instead wait until the symptoms of illness have arrived, then the impact of these supplements will be limited and eventually they will become less effective.

There are many essential nutrients that are directly or indirectly important for proper immune function. B vitamins are especially important for helping us deal with stress. For maximum effectiveness they should be taken alongside a good mineral supplement. In the mineral department, of particular importance for the immune system are calcium, magnesium and zinc. Antioxidants are also very useful. They include vitamins A, C, D, E and the minerals selenium and manganese. There are also many other important antioxidant nutrients that support immune functioning. These include the carotenes, flavonoids and other polyphenols such as those found in green tea, grape seed, pine bark and various berry extracts. The best food sources of immune-enhancing nutrients are fresh fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms. There are also many herbs that can be helpful as well.

Immune stimulant herbs can boost immune functioning in the short term. They may also be used to treat infections in progress. Some of the most versatile immune stimulants include the various species of purple coneflower root and herb (Echinacea spp.), plantain herb (Plantago spp.), elecampane root (Inula helenium), pot marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis), boneset herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum), black elder flower (Sambucus nigra), stinging nettle herb (Urtica dioica) and goldenrod herb (Solidago spp.). To support immune function, combine three or four of these herbs and take them three to four times per day for one to two week intervals. For best results, this should be repeated once or twice, each time after a one to two week break. This protocol can be used to help boost your immune response, which can prevent illness or lessen the severity if you do get sick.

Virus-Fighting Herbs

There are many herbs that attack viruses directly, which can be used together with immune stimulants by anyone who contracts the ‘flu or some other viral infection. Some of the immune stimulants mentioned above are also antiviral, including purple coneflower, pot marigold and black elder. Other important antiviral herbs include yarrow herb (Achillea millefolium), hyssop herb (Hyssopus officinalis), lemon balm herb (Melissa officinalis), St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) marjoram herb (Origanum majorana), oregano herb (Origanum vulgare), heal-all herb (Prunella vulgaris), rosemary herb (Rosmarinus officinalis) and blue vervain herb (Verbena hastata).

If you think you might have influenza, combine two to three herbs from among the immune stimulants with two to three herbs from the antivirals. It is important to begin taking the herbs as soon as you think you are getting sick. Take your formulation four to six times per day until you are better.

Deep Acting Immune Tonics

Another group of herbs that help to improve and optimize immune function are the immune tonics. These herbs are deeper acting than immune stimulants, but take longer to work. They include North American ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius), lacquered polypore or reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum), Chinese milkvetch root (Astragalus membranaceus) and Siberian ginseng root (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Combine two or three immune tonics and take them three to four times per day for two to three months. Immune tonics are not suitable for treating infections in progress. They are used for preventive purposes or to optimize immune function and work best after first doing several cycles of immune stimulants.

Dosages and Recommendations

Vitamin and nutritional supplements should be taken with meals, whereas herbs should always be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 10 to 15 minutes before meals and 20 to 30 minutes before bed. Herbs are best taken in tincture form, especially tinctures made from fresh plants. However, some of these herbs are also fairly effective when taken as a tea.

The dosage of tinctures depends on their strength. Follow the directions of whatever products you are using. If you are combining single tinctures, the dosage of your whole formulation will be similar or slightly higher than the recommended dosage of your individual herb tinctures (i.e. if the recommended dosage for the individual tinctures is 25 drops, the dosage of your entire formulation should be about 25 to 30 drops, not 25 drops of each tincture). If you are making a tea, use two to three teaspoons of your combination of herbs (not each individual herb) for each cup of tea and steep it in a covered container for 10 to 15 minutes.

A Better Strategy for Public Health

If our health care system were to stop the fear mongering and invest a similar amount of money for proper health education and other appropriate preventive social and environmental measures, instead of what is wasted every year financing vaccinations for the ‘flu, the result would be a significant decrease in the impact of influenza and other viral infections, and improvement in the overall health of all sectors of our population. This would lead to significant savings in health care costs and the quality of health care in Canada would increase with a net reduction in costs. When it comes to health care, it’s time that governments look at the big picture, instead of spending money on expensive band-aids while sweeping the real issues under the carpet.

Fortunately, to a large degree we have the ability to educate ourselves and take our health into our own hands, instead of waiting for someone else to solve our problems for us. It requires an acceptance of our personal responsibility to ourselves, our families and our environment. We are fortunate to live in a country where we have the freedom to make these choices and the resources to implement them. Use them wisely!

Michael Vertolli is a traditional clinical herbalist practising in Vaughan (just north of Toronto). He is the Director of Living Earth School of Herbalism which offers introductory classes, certificate and diploma programs.