Swine Flu Explained: BodBeat Episode 5

The new strategy is a variation on what's called herd immunity — the idea that even if you can't vaccinate an entire population, you can achieve nearly complete disease control by vaccinating at least the overwhelming portion of it. That's because every inoculated person serves as a sort of firebreak against the virus; surround the disease with enough people who are immune to its spread, and it simply winks out, never reaching the few people who still aren't immune. The Science study offers a chance to get a kind of herd immunity on the cheap by inoculating the super-spreaders first. "As long as there are more than 40 million doses of vaccine, this looks like the best way to go Most effective policy was to aim first for inoculating children ages 5 to 19 and adults ages 30 to 39. That's because school-age c hildren are such a powerful nexus of flu infection: they get sick, infect one another in the close and less-than-hygienic hothouse of school and then bring the virus back home to their parents. The parents, in turn, can then infect others in the community. Knock these links out of the transmission chain, and the spread of the virus slows down considerably So far the U.S. has counted 4,700 cases, although officials say that's a tiny fraction of the real number of sufferers, upwards of 100,000 Americans have gotten swine flu so far The World Health Organization has declared that a new version of an old flu strain has ignited the first global flu pandemic in 41 years. In Chile, the new virus is rapidly displacing older H1N1 strains — a sign that it is more "fit" than earlier flu viruses, possibly because no one has specific immunity to the new virus. Flu vaccines can only protect you from what they already know, if this swine flu is changing, evolving getting smarter if you would. Then what ever strains they are putting in these vaccines have no guarantee that they will work. The flu shot doesn't mean immunity from H1N1/09. Don't be lulled into a false sense of comfort that you have a magic bullet to protect you. You need to do as much as you can for yourself to protect and boost your immune system. You can help prepare yourself by turning to Alternative Medicine Tips for boosting immune systems The tougher your immune system, the better prepared you'll be to respond to attacking viruses. Here are some natural ways to strengthen your immunity: Fuel up with food Eat a diet high in complete protein, essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and lots of fruit and vegetables to help support your immune system. Avoid processed or sugary foods. Washing hands The easiest way to keep germs at bay is to clean your hands regularly and thoroughly. That involves 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and hot water. Avoid touching your face. Rest up Don't let a busy life get in the way of your health. Get a full night's sleep. De-stress Remember that emotional stress and worry can depress the immune system Exercise Walking and stretching exercise can also boost the immune system. Extreme exercises are best minimized if suffering from flu-like symptoms. What I recommend for my patients Highly Absorbable Zinc and an Active Form of Vitamin D3: Most woman are zinc and vitamin D deficient It promotes a healthy immune system Supports the enzymatic activity associated with energy metabolism, bone mineralization, and tissue synthesis. Unique antioxidant protection Mushroom Extracts: Reishi,  Shitake, Maitake mixed with Cordyceps Provides aggressive support for the immune system. This formula can increase CD4 killer cells to attack foreign invaders in the body. I can't keep this stuff on the shelves in my office. Protein Formulas: There are biologically active proteins with naturally occurring immunoglobulins (antibodies) that promote immune function and keep your WBC high. Probiotics: 65-70% of all immune function comes from your gut. So if you don't think that what you eat can make you sick or keep you healthy your wrong, dead wrong Taking Floras which are billions of highly viable organisms that support the health of a broad range of intestinal and immune system functions. Homeopathics: Their are a number of excellent homeopathics that can stimulate nonspecific defense systems in case of viral infections. I keep my clients healthy what about you, are you helping yourself as much as you can to prevent being on your backs with colds and flus this season Dr. L