Dr. Nicole Shortt, BSc, ND (Naturopathic Physician)

The Natural Flu Shot

Fall has arrived and this means that cold and flu season is not far away. It is also the time of year that the flu shot is heavily promoted and the time to start thinking about how you can keep yourself healthy this season. There is another option in flu prevention. The natural flu shot is a safe and effective alternative to the regular flu shot. The natural flu shot is a combination of homeopathic medicines that activate the immune system against cold and flu viruses without exposing the person to the virus. This minimizes side effects while still protecting you from the flu viruses.

The Natural Flu Shot is administered by injection or orally for children. Once the medicine is given it activates the immune system and provides protection against cold and flu viruses. This protection usually lasts for the duration of the season. The Natural Flu Shot can also be given once you are already sick as part of a treatment program.

In addition to the Natural Flu shot, there are other medicines that I use in my flu prevention program. When used in conjunction with the Natural Flu Shot, the patient is provided with added protection against colds and flu viruses.

• Thymuline is a homeopathic preparation that improves the function of the thymus gland. The thymus gland produces T-cells that actively seek out and destroy invading microbes like viruses and prevent infection. (taken orally once per week for 5 weeks)
• Influenzinum is a homeopathic preparation that activates the immune system to the currently active flu viruses. (taken orally once per week for 5 weeks)
• With so many safe and effective natural medicines available to prevent viral infections it makes good sense to use the natural approach to prevention, this is especially true for children and the elderly who may be more susceptible to getting sick.

Additional suggestions to prevent colds and flu:

• Multivitamin/mineral formula that is of high quality and taken daily
• Vitamin C – 1000mg/day for prevention
• Garlic – daily . If you do not like the thought of eating fresh garlic, I recommend a product called Garlitrin. Take 1 tablet daily during fall and winter.
• Drink fresh ginger tea regularly in fall and winter.

— Nicole Shortt, Naturopathic Physician