 |
|
 |
| |
| Departments |
Home
Columns, Special
Topics & Features:
The Columns:
Angels, Guides, &
Loving Spirits:
Angel Blessings:
with Dr. Doreen Virtue
Ask Valerie Morrison,
Internationally
Acclaimed Psychic
Trust Your Vibes
by Dr. Sonia Choquette, PhD. Internationally Acclaimed Psychic,
Healer & Author
Astrologer's Notes:
Ask Carrin Martin,
Astrologer
Basil Fearrington,
Astrologer
Diana Stone,
Astrologer &
Huna Shaman
Jeff Jawer
Astrologer
Martin Lass,
Astrologer
Glenn Perry,
Astrologer
Ray Merriman,
Financial Astrology:
MMA Market Week
Noel Tyl,
Astrologer
Daily Aspect Calendar
by Care
The Weekly Horoscope
By Care
Creating Bridges:
The Spiritual &
Philosophical
Act of Power
Discovering the Key to Living Your Sacred Dream
by Lynn Andrews
The BUT Doctor
Healing America's Real Crack Problem One Person at a Time
by Eddie Conner
Avant-Gardening:
Insights by Frank &
Vicky Giannangelo
Breaking Free:
Anne Brewer
From The Heart:
Alan Cohen
Teachings from the Western Mystery Traditions: The Esoteric "Paths of Return"
by Jacquelyn Small, Eupsychia
"Letters from Heaven:" Spiritual Guidance from
the Hebrew Alphabet
by Avigayil Landsman
Memos From The
First Tabugian
Art Rosengarten, Ph.D.
Spirituality in Daily Life: by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron
The Conscious Column
by David Ault
Spiritual Mastery
for the 21st Century
Dr. Gwen MacGregor
Pearls of Wisdom:
with Care & Aeon
Encounters on the Shaman's Path
with Anthropologist
Dr. Hank Wesselman, PhD.
Crystals, Gemstones & Minerals:
Crystals and Gemstones, Metaphysically Speaking
by Margie Brush
Intuitive, Psychic, Teacher of Metaphysics
Feng Shui & Chinese Metaphysics:
Inside Chinese Metaphysics
by Barbara Finch,
Feng Shui &
Chinese Astrology
In Practice:
How to Create a Successful Holistic Practice- from Start to Success
by Shaun Brown,
CMT, BA BeWell Publications
Spirit in Work
by John Livesay,
Author
Pet Care:
Dr. Carson's Holistic Animal Care
by Dr. Kathleen Carson, D.V.M.
Tarot:
Soulforest:
Tarot and Spirituality
Rachel Pollack,
Tarot Grand Master
Moment to Moment
by Gigi Miner
Author, Tarot Consultant, & Teacher,.
Reviews:
Tarot, Cartomancy,
Oracle Decks,
Books, & Software.
by Bonnie Cehovet,
Tarot Master
Humor:
Wake Up Laughing.Com:
Swami Beyondananda
Features:
Blessings & Messages
Event Calendar
Historical Notes & Data
The MetaPersonals
Opinion-Editorial
Symbols, Seals,
Amulets & Talismans
The What in the
World Department
Trivia & Other
Novel Moments
Interviews:
Watch for Announcements
Healing & Alternative
Health:
"The Ancient Way of Chinese Medicine"
by Kevin O'Neil
Flower Essences
by Donna Cunningham
Living in Harmony-Astrology, Yoga & Ayurveda:
Venkat & Christine Machiraju
"Spirit and Practice
of the Wise Woman
Tradition"
By Susun Weed
Tai Chi & Qigong
by Bill Douglas
The Holistic Mystic,
by Lonny Brown
Medical Intuition: Tune
in to Your Body and Improve Your Health
by Caroline Sutherland, Sutherland Communications
Conscious Breathing
for Health and Self Transformation
by Dennis Lewis
Homeopathy:
by Senbita Carter,
Lecturer & Practitioner
Transformational Healing through the Violet Flame!
by Eva Kettles
The Directory
The Book Nook
Archives:
Past Issues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Health & Healing: Homeopathy
What Happened to
the Flu Vaccine Supply
|
|
|
by C. Senbita Carter |
|
|
What Happened to the Flu Vaccine Supply
Due to bacterial contamination at its manufacturing facility, a major vaccine manufacturer, Chiron had to destroy 46,000,000 doses of flu vaccine. This left the U.S. market short by almost 50 percent of the planned supply for this year's flu season. To cope with the shortage, the vaccine is only being recommended by those deemed to be most at risk. The elderly, pregnant women and the very young are urged to obtain the shots.
What is the Flu
"Respiratory illness caused by influenza is difficult to distinguish from illness caused by other respiratory pathogens on the basis of symptoms alone. "(1)
Influenza, once known by the term, "grippe," is considered to be a highly infectious disease. It is caused by a viral organism with the ability to spread easily. Influenza affects animals also, such as horses, pigs and fowl (wild and domesticated). The virus can jump between species causing havoc and wide spread outbreaks. The main symptoms are a fever, runny nose, cough, headache, weakness and an inflammation of the lining of the nose and airways. Influenza is thought to spread person-to-person though infectious respiratory secretions. The virus attacks the lining of the respiratory tract, resulting in an infection. The nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs may all become involved. If the protective mucous membranes lining the respiratory system become damaged, other deadly organisms may attack the body resulting in pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Death from the flu is rare. It is the aggravation of underlying conditions, which bring on complications such as pneumonia that causes death.
At times the rapidity of the infection may not allow the body enough time to mount its defenses in time, which may result in morbidity. This is what happened in the flu pandemic of 1918. Seemingly healthy adults would come down with flu-like symptoms and in many cases died within 24 -72 hours.
The United States Center for Disease Control attributes approximately 20,000 deaths per year to the flu and related respiratory disease.
Common Symptoms of Cold and Flu
Symptoms of the Flu Symptoms of a Cold
Development rapid slow
Energy low, weakness, fatigue average
Cough yes yes
Headache yes, varies in intensity none - mild
Muscle aches characteristic; can be severe slight
Appetite poor variable
Sneezing variable typical
Runny Nose variable typical
Cold and flu symptoms have a lot of similarity. A key difference is the flu is much more intense and it comes on suddenly. There are some tests that are available at the doctor to distinguish between the two illnesses.
A Brief History of the Flu
It is only relatively recently in man's history that influenza has become such a controversial illness. There was the major pandemic of 1918, an Asian outbreak occurred in 1957-1958 and a Hong Kong outbreak in 1968. Other similar viral outbreaks have appeared- the most notable being SARS.
The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine has been a hard sell, until this year 2004. Whoever devised this year's sales strategy, whether sales managers for vaccine manufacturers or pharmaceutical industry political lobbyists, it is a job well done. It is working. And it is simple. People, especially Americans tend to want what they think they cannot get. Maybe it is the exclusivity. Since the creation of the flu vaccine, it hasn't been a big seller. Unused vaccine cannot be stored and has to be destroyed. Many people didn't think they needed a shot to make it through the winter season. Enter the set up. Take it away from people. Then they will feel as though they must have it. Have public officials, elected or public health officials bemoan the shortage. This is evident in the mild wave of hysteria currently circulating. Elderly people have died while waiting in line to receive the vaccine. People are stealing it. And some doctors prefer to avoid the responsibility of having to distribute the vaccine. Now the government wants to guarantee that it will purchase the vaccine from manufacturers. This means that your tax dollars you will ensure that the drug makers are paid to produce the vaccine regardless if people want it or not.
The flu vaccine doesn't afford complete protection from the flu. The flu vaccine offers no lasting immunity. When the shot is initially given you become a carrier of the flu virus for up to 3 weeks. The flu vaccine contains harmful preservatives - some being derived from mercury. If you decide to have the shot ask for a complete listing of the vaccine ingredients.
The flu virus has an ability to mutate. This changeable quality makes it difficult to predict from one year to the next, which strains to use when developing the current years' stock of the flu vaccine. The World Health Organization meets in the prior year to determine which strains of the flu they think will be prevalent in the coming year. This information is used to select the strains to prepare the vaccine. It is a coin's toss as to the sagacity of the selection. If it is a sound choice the vaccine will be more effective, and if not it will be less effective.
The U.S. has approved the sale of three flu vaccines. Fluzone from Aventis SA, is an attenuated virus. Fluvirin is from Chiron Corp. This vaccine contains inactivated fragments from three different strains of the virus. FluMist is produced by MedImmune and Wyeth. FluMist is a live virus, administered intranasally.
The flu vaccine should not be used if you are allergic to eggs, because the flu vaccines are grown in chicken eggs. Also avoid if you have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Also there are a number of cases in the literature of children who were vaccinated and died from the flu. (2)
The effectiveness of influenza vaccine depends primarily on the age and immunocompetence of the vaccine recipient and the degree of similarity between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation. (1)
An Ounce of Prevention
The CDC recommends the flu shot as the main way to reduce and control the flu. Contrary to what the dominant medical establishment espouses, we have options. There are strategies by which you can reduce your chances of coming down with the flu. Subscribing to a flu shot is not the only route and may not be the best available option.
First consider the state of the current health system in the United States. According to 2003 estimates, 41 million Americans are not covered by health insurance. For those with health insurance coverage, consider that in the last decade over 1,000 emergency rooms (ER's) in the country have closed. There is a nursing shortage. And there are less hospital beds available. Doctors are concerned over the cost of malpractice insurance and many have had to relocate causing physician shortages in some part of the country. What can be done? Some suggest change must be political. Pass legislation, perhaps force employers or the government to provide health care for everyone. Or have the government subsidize healthcare. Personally I see problems with any of those choices. As stated earlier people rarely die from the flu. Some suggest that actual numbers are less than 1,000 nation-wide.
Secondly, it is the underlying poor health that precipitates the (flu) crises. The true problem is people's overburdened hearts, stuck chi and misdirected life priorities. When it comes to our health as in other areas of life, we reap what we sow. Sadly, there is so much to do done (our environment, etc.)…you can do everything 'right' and one may still develop an illness. Still we must put forth an effort. There is a dire need for wise self-care. If we as individuals turn to knowledge and actions that will nurture our health and make wiser choices not only will our health improve but we have the possibility of receiving the other blessings that optimum health generates. Ultimately the other options will fall short if self-care is not included. The answer is not just that the doctor knows best or that the government will take care of everything for us. Dependency as an approach will not solve the health care crisis that is festering.
Using Homeopathy
One of the key points of homeopathy is the law of similars. In a "mad scientist" type of way, vaccines are a very flawed homeopathic type of approach, in that various dead or live flu viruses are being used as a basis to stimulate immunity. The law of similars states that a substance that has the power to cause an illness in a healthy person has the power to cure similar illness in a sick person. But homeopathic medicines are simple substances (unmixed with other medicinal substances) and because of the unique way they are prepared they are rendered harmless, they are diluted in a special way. There are many other differences in the homeopathic approach. One of the key differences is that the remedies are safe, non-toxic, promote health, have no side effects and strengthen the life force, that inner healer inside of you. It could be very helpful to have a supply of the listed remedies on hand and to use them based on their indications. Acetaminophen especially and other over the counter medications may complicate upper respiratory infections. My humble personal recommendation is to avoid their use. If in doubt seek medical advice.
Homeopathic Remedies
Preventative
Oscillococcinum® taken at the first sign of the flu can abort illness at its onset. Take 1 dose, repeat at six hour intervals. The remedy is prepared form aseptic filtered autolysate obtained form the heart and liver of Muscovy duck. It has a high amino acid content. Usually with its use, the flu will not develop.
http://www.oscillo.com/
Dolivaxil is a newer homeopathic flu preventative. It is manufactured by Dolisos. It is made with a set of three government-identified flu viruses, based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization. It can be taken once a week, once a month or as you feel the flu manifesting.
Sudden Onset of Flu with fever
Aconite (Acon.)
Rapid onset of symptoms, sudden fever, with chills, throbbing pulses. Inflammatory symptoms, high fever, dry skin, restlessness; dry, violent, racking cough, after exposure to cold dry winds. Dry hot skin. Fear of death. The mental state is one of anguish and anxiety. Lights and music are disturbing.
Belladonna (Bell.)
Right sided symptoms, throbbing and redness. Fever alternates with chills. Bright, glassy eyes. Time of aggravation 3pm. Prefers to lie in one position, doesn't like to be disturbed. Can become delirious with pain. Sensation as if inner organs distended or may burst.
When the influenza fully develops, i.e. no homeopathic remedies were taken in the early stages.
Baptisia tinctoria (Bapt.) Mental confusion, the digestive tract is affected. Bad breath and diarrhea. Falls asleep while answering.
Bryonia (Bry.) Fever, person feels better by lying very still. Feels worse on movement. Thirsty for large amounts of chilled water. Has to lie still and hold the chest when coughing.
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Eup-per.) Aching in bones, as if broken. Painful soreness of eyes. Aching in lumbar region (low back). Headache dare not move for pain. Chilliness and depression of mind, complaining.
Ferrum Phosphoricum (Ferr-p) At first sign of fever, especially when the fever is low and non-descriptive.
Gelsemium (Gels.) Prefers to be left alone. Feels dull and drowsy. Eyes drooping. Tremulous weakness, the hands may shake when lifting a glass to drink. Chilly, sensitive to cold air, feels worse when moving. Dry mouth and lips.
Pyrogenium (Pyrog.) Indicated in septic conditions. Feverish states. Although warm, easily chilled. Offensive sweats. Aching pains. Severe aching, esp. thighs and lower part back. Similar to Baptisia but more extreme. Extreme restlessness. Bed feels too hard.
Convalescence
Influenzinum assists when a person has difficulty recovering from the flu. It has some benefit also as a prophylactic. Useful in epidemics. Often not indicated in acute influenza. 12c or 30c potency, given every 2 hours (Murphy). Removes the tendency to colds.
Avena Sativa (Oats) taken as a tincture or low potency helps to restore the appetite. May be combined with Alfalfa (both in 3x, added to pure water).
Kali Phosphoricum indicated when slight mental effort brings on weakness.
General use of the remedies would be 9C or 30C every hour or two depending on the intensity of symptoms. Increase the time between doses as symptoms improve.
Notes:
(1) CDC MMWR - Recommendations and Reports 4.25.2003 Prevention and Control of Influenza http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5208a1.htm
(2) Ninety-three Children Dead of Flu - Majority were vaccinated!
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/sepp/2004/01/10/ninetythree_
children_dead_of_flu_majority_were_vaccinated.htm
End Notes:
For notes on how to use the remedies see my September 2004 article.
If you have any topics you would care to see discussed from a homeopathic viewpoint, send me an email. Let me hear from you.
In whatever way you can, work for true health freedom. Write letters or call your legislators, educate yourself, meditate and pray for peaceful and wise change.
Be Well.
Visit my website: healingsis.com
Disclaimer: Use this information to further your own research. It is not my intention to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information they may not be aware of so they may enhance their well being. Specific medical advice is not provided. Please consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis. Seek a qualified practitioner as needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Senbita Carter,
Homeopath & Lecturer of Holistic Living & Health
|
 |
C. Senbita Carter is a graduate of the Teleosis School of Homeopathy Professional Certificate Program in Homeopathy.
She is also a business graduate from LaSalle University.
Her other studies in the healing arts include:
Jin Shin Do,
Reflexology,
Feng Shui,
Flower Essences
and Herbalism.
C. Senbita lectures in the broad area of Holistic Living /Holistic Health. As a Wellness Coach , she imparts skills for healthy living.
Contact C. Senbita Carter:
Email:
healingsis@earthlink.net
Website:
www. healingsis.com
|
 |
You'll find it in
The
Directory!
|
|
|
|
|
