Should you get an H1N1 (Swine Flu) shot?

I have never had a seasonal flu shot myself. The only time that I remember contracting the flu was when I was a college student and that was a long time ago.

I believe that if you have a strong immune system working for you, the ability to fight off the flu completely or not become seriously ill if you do contract it are greatly increased.

If you look at the people who have died from the Swine Flu, they have all had some underlying condition or a compromised immune system.

The Swine Flu is different than the seasonal flu because it has the ability to infect cells deep in the lungs where it can cause pneumonia and, in severe cases, death. Seasonal flu viruses infect only cells in the upper respiratory system.

This characteristic is similar to those of other pandemic viruses like the 1918 virus which killed tens of millions of people at the end of WWI. In fact if you were alive in 1918 you probably already have antibodies that protect against H1N1.

So, to answer the question, should you get an H1N1 flu shot, I ask you this….

Is your immune system strong or compromised? Do you have one or more underlying health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)? Are you very young or very old?

If you are an adult with a strong immune system bolstered with whole food supplements, good eating habits and get regular exercise, then you may consider yourself pretty safe (no guarantee – just my opinion).

If you are a child or adolescent, a senior (younger than 91) or feel that your immune system is compromised in any way then I strongly recommend an H1N1 flu shot if you can find one.

Finding an available H1N1 flu shot will not be as easy as the seasonal shots. There will be less total shots available and they will be distributed differently.

As an example, Walgreens, who has given over 4 million seasonal shots this year at all of their 7050 locations will only be giving the H1N1 shots at “clinic” stores (24 hour stores and those with Take Care Clinics).

So, if you need to be immunized, start looking for a provider now! Don’t wait until all the vaccine is gone.

If you need advice on what supplements to add to your diet please call or email me and I’ll make a personal recommendation for you.

To Your Good Health!
Marc