Washington girl, 12, dies from flu just 4 days after showing symptoms
A 12-year-old Washington state girl died from flu just 4 days after she first started showing symptoms. The deadly strain of the H1N1 virus caused renal failure after attacking her kidneys. She vomited up blood and had a constant high fever as her condition worsened, despite being prescribed Tamiflu. The sixth grader, who was a student at Manchester Elementary, is the second person to die from flu in the region this winter.
These tragedies remind us that influenza can be a very serious illness, especially in young children. Having your children and yourselves vaccinated is the best way you can protect your children from the flu.
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.
