A few weeks ago I saw a sign in my neighborhood for free adult flu shots.
No one wants to be sick; especially when it consists of cold sweats, aches and feeling like you can't breathe.
"Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. It is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people." - CDC
With numbers like that, I can understand why so many people rush out for the shot.
I used to get the flu shot with the chipmunks yearly until I contracted the flu and realized it doesn't protect you from all strains.
Another consideration for me is that the flu shot isn't vegan yet.
According to Mayo Clinic, you shouldn't get a flu shot if you're allergic to eggs because they're used in the incubation process (article on how chicken eggs are used).
I read a few articles about the government's plan to make the flu shot plant-based because it is effective and less expensive.
Being vegan or not, getting the flu shot is a personal decision.
If you decide the flu shot isn't for your family, here are a few natural options to get through the season:
*Tracye McQuirter's Concoction
Tracye recommends taking this at the first sign of a cold
2-3 big cloves of fresh garlic
1 small red onion
1 tomato
1 lemon
1-2 generous dashes of cayenne
Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Drink immediately. Repeat as necessary (and don’t forget the parsley!).
Hot Homemade Lemon Cough Remedy Tea
3 cups water
1 medium sliced lemon, with rind
2 medium sliced oranges, with rind
4 gloves garlic, smashed
1/4 onion, chopped
2 inch sliced fresh ginger root
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
agave nectar
Directions:
1) Bring water to a boil.
2) Add all ingredients except agave nectar, turn heat to medium and boil for 15-20 minutes.
3) Strain through a fine mesh strainer. I also take a spoon and smash pulp to extract as much juice as possible from all ingredients.
4) Add 1 cup of the hot tea to a mug and add agave nectar to taste.
*Wheatgrass, spirulina (blue-green algae) and ginger root are excellent ways to build your immune system-Try these ingredients in smoothies
*Consider purchasing a ceramic net pot to combat congestion-Here's a great article on using one
Of course, the biggest preventable measure is washing your hands and keeping them off of your face.
Yay or nay to the flu shot? Let's discuss it. Follow me on Twitter.
Further Reading: A raw vegan's view on the flu shot
