As a naturopathic doctor, one of the prevailing tenets that I abide by in my profession is “First do no harm.” I would like to address this in the context of this year’s flu vaccination. In this article, I will discuss some of the issues surrounding influenza vaccination, and try to present a balanced, unbiased perspective.

Let’s go to the CDC first. The CDC says that this year’s flu vaccine is effective 50- 60% of the time, and also that this vaccine is a very good match for this year’s circulating viruses. This year’s dominant flu strain appears to be a strain of H3N2, which has historically been associated with more severe flu’s. The 2012 flu vaccine includes a 2009 H1N1 strain (that’s the “swine flu”), a 2010 influenza b strain, and an H3N2 strain from 2011. (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012- 2013.htm)

There is also a strain named H3N2v, which started circulating in 2011, but was especially active over the summer of 2012, especially in Indiana and Ohio. About 300 cases were reported over the summer. This is also a swine flu that was passed over to humans. Non human- origin viral genomes mutate faster, which contributes to increased virulence. Perhaps that is why this year’s flu (as well as last year’s flu) affected not only the elderly and immunocompromised, but also the young and vital as well.

When considering any vaccination, we need to look beyond just the individual, but look at the population as a whole. For a broader prospective, let’s take a closer look at Rubella (as part of the MMR vaccination). Recommending against immunizing for Rubella puts a pregnant woman’s fetus at risk of birth defects. Prior to rubella vaccination, many babies were born with severe neurological damage, including blindness, due to Rubella infected mothers. The same argument could be made for Pertussis (whooping cough). Getting a pertussis vaccination for people who are in contact with a baby under 6 months old is extremely important, as infants under 6 months old who contract pertussis have a much higher chance of dying from the disease, compared to an adult.

Let me address vaccine associated adverse reactions. While there can be injection- site issues, the more serious reactions are much less uncommon. My thought is that in many cases of negative vaccine reactions, there very well may be an underlying issue for which the vaccination is the trigger point. It would be interesting to see some research detailing what conditions (or combinations of conditions) may predispose an individual to adverse vaccine reactions. This lack of research put providers in a tricky situation, where they need to rely on theory and anecdotal evidence to help identify individuals at greater risk from a vaccine. The same may be said for information about preventing or minimizing adverse reactions for those at-risk individuals who do decide to have vaccinations. Naturopathy offers a support regimen after vaccination, to help minimize vaccination side effects. While I think that they are effective, my reports are strictly anecdotal.

From a naturopathic perspective, it makes good sense to look at family history, detoxification capacity, autoimmunity, neurological health, where a patient lives and travels, what kinds of health care and nutrition is available to them. These are all valuable and important pieces of the vaccination dilemma. This is an important step in eliminating vaccination dogma, eliminating the strictly yay or nay perspective, and truly assessing the risks and benefits to each individual, as well as the risks and benefits to the people around them, especially infants and elderly, less well nourished or immunocompromised people.

I cannot keep up with all the new vaccine updates, and so I utilize the knowledge that experts in this area, like the Center for Disease Control provide. But here comes my anti-vaccination perspective. Admittedly, I do feel a distrust in these governmental agencies, mostly due to political slants and funding issues that arise with vaccination trials. I am also not a fan of fear-based medicine and media. It seems like every year, we hear “This is predicted to be the worst flu season yet. Go get your flu shot immediately.” That being said, I do realize that the flu is a serious disease, and in Massachusetts there have already been 6 deaths this year (one child, and the remaining 5 were elderly). Sadly, there will be flu related deaths every year. Some are directly from the influenza infection, and some can be traced to a deeper underlying medical condition.

And then there are the adjuvants (stabilizers and preservatives), and in my mind, straight up chemical toxins that are injected into the human body, bypassing our natural immunity. In this year’s flu vaccine, be on the look out for thimerosol (AKA mercury). Be aware that the multi-dose vials do contain “trace” amounts of thimerosol. It’s up to you to come up with your own conclusions about this, but here’s a reference point. If you are administered the flu vaccine from a multi-dose vial, you are receiving 25 mcg of mercury. This almost doubles the amount the FDA considers safe for pregnant women to ingest weekly, and is 250 times greater than the Environmental Protection Agency’s safe limit. You CAN get thimerosol free vaccines, but you need to insist on it. Also, be aware that this year’s flu vaccine also contains egg, which is problematic if you have an egg allergy.

Another con-vaccine point: As far as flu vaccine efficacy goes, a 2012 study demonstrated the lack of efficacy for children under 2 years old. Here’s an excerpt, “ We included 75 studies with about 300,000 observations. We included 17 RCTs, (randomized controlled trials) 19 cohort studies and 11 case-control studies in the analysis of vaccine efficacy and effectiveness. Evidence from RCTs shows that six children under the age of six needs to be vaccinated with live attenuated vaccine to prevent one case of influenza (infection and symptoms). We could find no usable data for those aged two years or younger. Inactivated vaccines in children aged two years or younger are not significantly more efficacious than placebo. Twenty-eight children over the age of six needs to be vaccinated to prevent one case of influenza (infection and symptoms). Eight need to be vaccinated to prevent one case of influenza-like-illness (ILI).” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22895945. Another 2012 study concluded that the “evidence for safety, efficacy and effectiveness for those over 65 years old is of poor quality.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20166072

Argh. Now I’m really at a loss! So, here are some numbers to help put this years “well-matched” vaccine into perspective. For adults, you have to vaccinate 33 people (when the vaccine and infecting strain are well matched,) and 100 people (when they’re not well matched,) to prevent a single case of flu. That seems like a lot of vaccinations to prevent one flu. On an individual basis, they seem relatively ineffective (about a 50% reduction in your personal risk of getting sick).

But here’s yet another way to look at the numbers. In 2010, the Cochrane Library published a report on Influenza immunization. They evaluated 50 studies published on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine. Their conclusion was that immunization for flu results in less than 2% reduction in the incidence of flu. That is, for those immunized against the flu in any given year, only about one person out of 100 received any benefit. They also found that the immunization did not reduce complication or days lost from work. http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD001269/vaccines-to-prevent-influenza-in- healthy-adults

Now, take that 2% data and put it on a large scale. If you lower the death rate from confirmed influenza from 2% to 1%, across millions of patients, that adds up to thousands of lives saved. So, that being said, getting a shot may do nothing for you, but could bring very big benefits to the whole of your fellow humans, particularly infants, the elderly, and immuno-compromised people.

OK, if you are not going to get the flu vaccination (or if you want even moreprevention in addition to the vaccine) here are some tips for flu prevention. Keep your self warm. Influenza will thrive in the cooler temperature of the trachea. Warmth and fever will inhibit viral growth. Because more problematic influenza infections can result from smaller droplets getting deeper into the lungs (causing pneumonia), rest will reduce the oxygen requirement and lessen deep airflow. Because influenza affects the cilia and damages the mucus membranes, nutrients like Vitamin A and zinc can help re-grow the epithelia. Keeping the mucus thin can prevent secondary bacterial infections in the bronchi, lungs and ears. Lie down and rest, hydrate and stay warm. Some other very effective influenza prevention supplements are the probiotic strains of lactobaccilus sp. and bifidobacter sp. A quick pubmed search will surely convince you that there is an abundance of scientific data which supports that these 2 species of beneficial flora cuts down your chances of getting sick with the flu (and if you do succumb then it cuts the duration of illness in half!) Also, Vitamin D is well studied (esp if you are deficient, which many of us northerners are) for flu prevention.

After writing this article, I’m still not sure what my decision will be for my young children and myself. From my research, it seems as though getting this year’s flu shot is primarily to help the herd immunity, and not necessarily yourself (esp if you are under 2 yo or elderly). In Brattleboro VT, where I have a primary care practice, it is my priority to practice safe, un-biased naturopathic primary care. If the safestintervention is a vaccination, and if I can feel confident that I have explained the pros and cons of that particular disease (if the person was to get sick with it), and I have weighed the possible adverse reactions of that vaccine and done a careful and thoughtful history, then I feel like I have done my job. It is then up to the patient to decide. That’s what naturopathic primary care is. Good, smart medicine that does not attach itself to dogma. Do what works, and what is safe. As for the “Do no harm” part- yes, it may very well be that we do harm when we don’t do anything at all. Your choice, it’s a difficult one to make.

Link to DVD at BNC Store

Take a look at the beginning of Mary’s herb walk on her land. In this clip, she talks about roses and raspberries:

2. Take homeopathic Ledum 1M

3. If you have identified it as a female deer tick, put in a plastic bag with a
moist piece of paper towel and send it to UMASS for testing. The results
are far more accurate than human blood testing. The tick does not need
to be alive. http://extension.umass.edu/agriculture/index.php/services/tick-
borne-disease-diagnostics The cost is 40 dollars. You can also have it
tested for co—infections for an additional $100.

4. While you await the results of the testing, I recommend starting
Doxycycline (not for kids under 7) 100 mg 2x/day. There is now evidence
to suggest that the preventive, one day course of doxycycline is not
effective. If the tick comes back positive, I recommend continuing
treatment with antibiotics and herbs.

5. Get yourself tested (western blot), 4-6 weeks after initial tick bite.
I do have a Lyme prevention protocol available if any one is interested. It is a tincture and
homeopathic. Good for kids and pets too.

- Dr. Emily Maiella N.D.

1 cup flax seed

1/2 cups @ of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds

1/2 cup @ cashews, pecans, almonds

1/2 tsp salts

Soak in 3-4 cups water, Should be enough to completely cover the nuts. Soak 6 hours.

Grind all in food processor

Add 1-2 cups grated vegetables, onion, garlic, celery, carrot, zucchini

Add salt, pepper, red pepper to season to taste.

Add fresh chopped parley, basil, cilantro, chives if desired.

Mix well and spread on to parchment paper on food dehydrator trays.

Dry 6-8 hours or until completely dry.

Store in airtight container.

Get creative try varying the types of nuts and seeds. Always include flax seeds as this helps the cracker ingredients to stick together. Try adding whole fennel or cumin seeds for a different flavor. Add curry powder, chili pepper, or Indian seasonings to make them for that special ethnic meal. Have fun, be creative, and enjoy these great gluten-free cracker.

Coconut Fig Flax Fiber Bark

A delicious high fiber sweet raw gluten-free cracker.

1/2 cup each flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds, cashews and almonds,soak

1 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup black mission figs

2 Tbsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all in a large bowl and over with water, soak 4 hours, purée in food processor.

Spread on to dehydrator trays and dehydrate until dry. break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

“Throughout many of the articles on this site, I’m frequently recommending that people visit naturopathic physicians. You may wonder why I’m recommending N.D.s over traditionally-trained medical doctors. In this article, I’m offering some concrete answers on why you’re much better served visiting a naturopathic physician and what kind of differences in treatment you can expect…”

A health insurance plan shall provide coverage for medically necessary health care services covered by the plan when provided by a naturopathic physician licensed in this state for treatment within the scope of practice described in  26 V.S.A. chapter 81 and shall recognize naturopathic physicians who practice primary care to be primary care physicians.

Source

• Drink plenty of water daily.
• Get enough sleep each night.
• Avoid too many sweets or processed foods.
• Eat 5-8 fruits and vegetables every day.
• Use 1-2 grams of vitamin C daily or an Emergen-C with
  electrolytes daily.
• Elderberry as a tablet or concentrated juice daily.
• Rx A defense by Gaia herbs 1-2 caps daily or Andrographis
  tabs daily.
• Vitamin D – 1000iu for children; 2000-3000iu for adults
  per day.
• Gargling with salt water.
• Neti pot with saline solution or warm water.

At the first signs of illness start:

• Cold and Flu Tea, drink hot 3-4 times daily.
• Increase the Rx A defense or Andrographis to 2 caps four times
  daily.
• Increase Vitamin C to 2-3 times daily.
• Vitamin D – 1000iu for children; 2000-3000iu for adults
  per day.
• Gargling with salt water.
• Neti pot with saline solution or warm water.
• Flew Away by Natura 2 caps 3-4 times daily, or
• Esberitox as directed on the box.
• Probiotics with each meal.

Try a Wet Sock Treatment for upper respiratory congestion and sinus
pressure. After a warm bath or shower put a pair of cotton socks wet
with cold water on to the feet with a plastic bag over each sock and
get into bed with extra blankets. Keep the socks on 1/2 hours or until
they feel warm. This hydrotherapy technique might sound a little crazy
but it works more times than not.

Call the clinic for further assistance or an appointment.

802-254-9332

For more flu information:

www.VacLib.org

www.PandemicFluOnline.com

www.DrTenpeeny.com

Begin cultivating your child’s health by cultivating a healthy gut flora in their digestive system.

It is speculated that most of the growing sites for proflora species such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, in the human gastrointestinal tract are established during gestation and early infancy. Proflora species play an important role in digestive function, assimilation and absorption of vital nutrients, development of the immune system, healthy mucus membranes and healthy skin. Infants have a sterile gut leaving the womb and are exposed to bacteria via the birth canal; the mother’s skin and breast milk which provide the starters for the gut flora. It may take up to two years for full colonization of the flora and maturity of the gastrointestinal tract.

There are many things in a child’s first two years that can interrupt proper colonization, including formula feeding, breastfeeding, maternal diet and digestive health, food introduction and antibiotic use. Antibiotics disrupt normal flora growth and colonization. It is estimated that a course of antibiotics may disrupt normal flora colonization for up to three months post use.1 If a child has been given several courses of antibiotics before the age of two, as is the case for many American children, the normal flora may be severely compromised, increasing the risk for common childhood illnesses, including diarrhea, allergy, atopic dermatitis, sinus infections, ear infections, common cold, upper respiratory infections, colic, dental caries, urinary infection and IBS.2

Outcomes of several recent scientific studies have concurred, acknowledging the role of probiotics for a healthy immune system. A Finnish study looked at the effect of a probiotic on reducing atopic disease in infants when administered to the pregnant mother in the third trimester of her pregnancy, during the breastfeeding period and to the infant. The occurrence of atopic disease dropped by 50% in the probiotic group and continued to stay low for the entire four years of the study without further supplementation of probiotics.3 Several other studies have looked at supplementation of children in day care centers with probiotics and the occurrence of upper respiratory infection, fever and GI infection. It was found that the probiotic supplemented groups had significantly less occurrence of infections.4,5

Supplementation of probitoic blends of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support immune and digestive system health for mother and baby. Infants may be supplemented with bifidobacterium species to support colonization of healthy gut microbes. While children over the age of 2 can be supplemented with a blend of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species daily to support both immune and digestive system health and function.

References;

1. De la Cochetiere et al: Early intestinal bacterial colonization and nectrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants: the putative role of Clostridium, Pediatr Res Sep;56(3): 366-70,2004
2. Pediatirc Probiotics, Impact on the development of a normal immune system, Naturopathic Doctor News and Review Feb; 3(2) 10-12, 2007
3. Kalliomaki M et al:  proibiotics and prevention of atopic disease: 4 year follow up of randomized placebo-controlled trial, Lancet 361:1896-1871, 2003
4. Weizman Z at al: Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: comparison of two probiotic agents, Pediatrics 115:5-9, 2005
5. Hatakka K et al: effect on long-term consumption of probiotic milk on infections in children attending day care centers: double-blind, randomized trial, Clin Nutr Aug; 24(4):481-91,2005