The flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women even though there exists evidence that the vaccine could place their pregnancy at risk. Research funded by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found a link between being vaccinated for the flu during pregnancy and increasing the risk of miscarriage (8 fold). In general, data from the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program shows that the flu vaccine is now the most compensated claim filed. Between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2019 five thousand four hundred and seven injury claims were filed for the flu vaccine. In addition, CDC data demonstrates that the flu vaccine is less effective for senior citizens. According to the CDC data, the influenza A and B vaccine had an effectiveness rating of 12% for those over the age of 65. Statistically, the CDC includes death from secondary infections (like pneumonia, sepsis and other respiratory infections) in the total mortality rate from the flu. These secondary infections account for the majority of deaths attributed to the flu each year.
Boosting your immune systems capabilities have been shown to be way more effective than the flu vaccine for preventing the flu or increasing the likelihood for a mild case and or quicker flu illness recovery. Vitamin D3 taken with vitamin K has been shown to lower your risk of flu illness. Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. Sun exposure naturally produces vitamin D in the body. This is why flu season is in the fall and winter months. People have lower levels of vitamin D when not able to be out in the sunshine with safe sun exposure. Taking a vitamin D supplement throughout the fall and winter (and even summer if you do not have adequate sun exposure) will boost your immune system function. Functional medicine and nutritional experts have found that the proper dose of vitamin D in the winter season is 30 units per pound of bodyweight. This means if you weigh 150lbs your D supplementation should be 4,500 units per day. People whose levels are below the normal range are at risk for becoming sick with illness and if exposed to covid-19 they are also at a higher risk for hospitalization and death.
In addition to vitamin D (and K), your flu prevention medicine chest should contain elderberry extract and vitamin C (1000mg capsules). If you start to feel the signs of illness coming on begin taking elderberry extract 3 x per day. Elderberry boosts immune function but also has a high amount of antiviral properties and works really well with respiratory infections. Also, increase your vitamin C consumption to 3000 mg and take your C 3-4 times per day, every 3 to 4 hours. Do this until you feel better.
Lastly, chiropractic spinal adjustments have a positive effect on increasing immune system function. Mid back adjustments to the thoracic spine have an immediate effect on white blood cell production. White blood cells are your infection fighting cells. Research has also shown that chiropractic spinal adjustments increase the rate at which your body’s DNA repairs itself. DNA repair is an important marker for immune system function. Additional research has also shown that people who receive regular chiropractic care (at least 1 adjustment per month, every month) have higher resistance enzyme levels than people who do not receive chiropractic care.