This is my list of “must haves” for your home in this flu and cold season that has already begun. I do NOT think that it is clear at all as to the actual benefits of the flu vaccine. I have not seen any substantive evidence that the flu vaccine (for “regular” flu- A and B) has decreased mortality in anyone- let alone seniors and in some studies (like kids with asthma who had been vaccinated) actually increased hospitalizations when compared to those children who were NOT vaccinated. The scares of H1N1 are trumped up. In this case, there is absolutely not one shred of evidence that the Swine Flu is more aggressive than the every day flu we see each year and all the horror figures that you hear or read about are projections- based on dubious assumptions Swine Flu vaccine may not arrive before it has already spread across most of the US and it would be foolish of your doctor to suggest that it has been tested adequately to show its' efficacy and/or safety. Many years ago an admittedly less sophisticated Swine Flu vaccine resulted in thousands of cases of paralysis (Guillan Barre Syndrome) which reversed in most (admittedly) but left permanent disability in some. In short, the therapy was worse than the disease which never amounted to anything after the same kind of scares were sent throughout America.


I have decided NOT to offer the H1N1 vaccine because I do not feel in good conscience that it will (especially by the time it arrives- late) make any significant public health contribution. Although I assure you that the feds will make that claim- no doubt! I have decided to send those of my practice who will no doubt panic as a result of the ongoing media hype to a public facility where they can be vaccinated. I will NOT take the vaccination. By the way my daughter, I believe, contracted Swine Flu last season. It was lousy- a week of misery, but she survived just fine. She used some of thee products I have listed below.


My Flu and Cold Survival List



Oscillococcinum (This is a homeopathic remedy popular here in the US and in Europe to be taken at the VERY FIRST suspicion of the flu. It could shorten the duration of the flu and might make it more “tolerable”. Carry it with you when traveling as well.)


Cold -Eeze Lozenges (This is a great homeopathic zinc remedy at the EARLIEST stage of a cold. It can cut down the severity and the duration of colds. Avoid products like ZiCam or any zinc product that is inhaled into the nose as they could adversely affect your sense of smell.)


Sambucol (This is a safe Black Elderberry that can be used to attenuate the symptoms of the flu and possibly shorten its course


American Ginseng (Can be used in adults and kids to shorten the length of a cold and attenuate the symptoms.)


Umcka (Many use this European supplement for colds. I suggest it to those with bronchitis.)



Neti Pot and pH adjusted salt water OR Ocean Normal Saline Spray ( While I prefer the Neti Pot, either of the aforementioned get salt water into your nostrils and drain viruses and fungii as well as bacteria. Be sure to really inhale the non toxic water and get it into your sinuses. Messy? Yes, but it is a great and non toxic way to get rid of germs and speed recovery! Drain 3-5 times a day. It's just salt water!)


Steaming Hot Water and Tea Tree Oil (It's old fashioned and it works for sinus infections. Boil a pot of hot water and add a drop of Tea Tree Oil used by the Aborigines in Australia which fights infections including fungii. Cover your head and the pot with a towel. Inhale deeply . Be sure not to get so close to the hot steam that you burn the insides of your nostrils. A few times a day can be better than antibiotics which rarely are effective.)


What To Avoid Or Limit


Acetaminophen (Tylenol or its generics relief aches and pains and bring down fevers, so, sometimes you have no choice depending on the severity of the cold or flu you might contract. BUT, there's mounting evidence that suppressing the fever which is the body's natural response to infection results in a more prolonged course of illness.)


Ibuprofen (It seems to be more effective than acetaminophen for fever control but the same issue applies to ibuprofen as does acetaminophen. In addition, it can cause nausea or an upset stomach for some so take it with food if you can.)


Pseudophedrine (If you are absolutely dribbling – nasal discharge and can't seem to “shut it off”. Then judicious use of this product- Brand Named Sudafed- lots of cheaper generics- CAN help symptoms. But it will not TREAT the cold or flu. In addition, it can raise blood pressure, adversely affect thyroid and heart conditions. It might be associated with DEATH in kids!)


Cold, Flu Daytime and Nightime Remedies - (A waste and potentially dangerous! Buy a good book to put you to sleep at night. They are more effective!)


Antibacterial Hand Sanitizers- (No more and in fact less effective than washing your hands! The added danger is that these products are contributing to the development of resistant bacteria that can not be treated easily AND some containing Triclosan are TOXIC and absorbed through the skin.)


Ultra Violet Wands, Air Purifiers, etc. (A waste of cash and effort. You can't purify the air with wands or portable units. If you want to clean the air, open the windows- much more effective!)