Swine Flu, Stomach Flu, Influenza, whatever it is and whatever it is called, it is always hitting the headlines. Where is it from, where is it heading, who will it take out in the process, what’s it called and who’s to blame?

Every Fall, medics publicly recommend that we – and in particular those most vulnerable  – get our flu jabs to protect us and our dependents from the sometimes deadly virus.

Yet the efficacy and safety of the jab itself (the H1N1 vaccine) is also a fan of making headlines. The ever unpopular ‘crazy’ conspiracy theorists claim that the virus is manmade in an attempt to cull the population of its most feeble and useless, like a hypodermic Hitler; or to make vast amounts of money; or both. Whilst the genial conventional doctors and scientists claim, with a benevolent smile, that the vaccine is so safe that they would baste their own newborn in it; others have linked it to neural conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.

Last year, the watchdog association, MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) reported that experts were examining possible negative correlations between the controversial vaccine and a serious condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) that can be fatal.

In the UK, the Government repeatedly declared that there is absolutely no evidence that the vaccine is linked to the condition that causes paralysis. And then in Autumn last year, the MHRA published a new report that indicated its position on the subject had changed.

“Given the uncertainties in the available information and as with seasonal flu vaccines, a slightly elevated risk of GBS following H1N1 vaccines cannot be ruled out,” the report declared.

So whether or not the vaccine is a philanthropic, but incidentally money-making gesture courtesy of our governments, scientists and medical professionals, what are the alternatives for those of us who would rather not be paralysed?

[adsense]Well, whether or not the risk of death by needle is more appealing than death by swine flu, is up to the individual. But one alternative to death is to become as healthy as possible, because with an augmented immune system these nasties can’t gain a foothold.

A diet full of organic wholefruits and vegetables and healthy sources of protein such as nuts and seeds is a good start. Avoid sugar and white flour (white sugar depresses the part of the white blood cell that tells it to kill unwanted intruders.) Keeping the body alkalised via green drinks and smoothies (containing lots of green leafy vegetables) is an excellent way to kickstart your health and to start your day. Eat lots of brightly colored veggies including mangos, carrots, pumpkin, etc to give you vitamin A. Eat more spinach than Popeye, plus citrus fruits and berries for valuable vitamin C.

In addition, drink adequate good quality water (not the fluoridated junk that comes from the tap). Get out in the countryside. Improve your fitness. Quit smoking. Have an enjoyable life without the involvement of drugs or alcohol. Love and be loved. Think positive. Smile.

It’s very scientific, by being healthy, you will avoid illness and reduce your chances of death, by both virus and inoculation.

Please tell us about your experiences with flu jabs by leaving a comment.

Read more about flu, swine flu, H1N1 risks during pregnancy; as well as other things that were supposed to be good for us but turned out not to be, like sugar or fluoride in drinking water.

images: theonlinecitizen.com, nature.com