Fu season began 2 months ago but CDC has revealed that this year vaccine has been quite effective. Flu activity usually peaks between December and February. According to the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, last week showed a slight increase in flu activity but numbers remained low overall. Influenza viruses are killed before they are incorporated into the vaccine, and building immunity from the shot takes two weeks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people at high risk for developing flu-related complications include adults older than 65, pregnant women, children under 2, nursing homes residents, and Native Americans. People with medical conditions such as asthma, weakened immune systems, metabolic disorders, and morbid obesity also have a high risk of complications related to flu.
Takeaway: There is still time to take a flu vaccine. Get your shots ASAP.
By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives.
In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.
