What can you do to reduce your risk of catching influenza or a cold this winter

There was a television interview a few days ago of a doctor advising viewers that it was time to get their annual flu jab. This is the jab that contains various substances, including aluminium which is a highly neurotoxic metal that is implicated in diseases such as dementia and Alzheimers. When asked if there was anything that one can do for the lesser rhino virus (colds), he replied, "Absolutely nothing at all!" I take issue with that. There is much that one can do to increase one's resistance to virus infections:

• Get plenty of sleep and do not burn the midnight oil during the flu and cold season - reduce stress. Take a winter holiday
  
• Eat plenty of fruit
• Ensure your diet is rich in the fat soluble vitamins - New Zealand butter, full fat milk, cod liver oil, wheatgerm oil (vitamin E), fish head soup, liver including pate. Take a vitamin D supplement.
• A further step is to have a regular intake of garlic, vitamin C and echinacea
  
• Have regular beef and chicken broth soups
• Complete the Active Elements assessment to ensure your body has the tissue salts needed to ward off infection
• Wash you hands frequently and keep clear of people who are dribbling and coughing
• Avoid confined, crowded, poorly ventilated rooms, such as class rooms
  
• If you do feel a viral infection of any kind coming on, have a supply of Active Elements 7.1 on hand and commence taking immediately as prescribed and for as long as symptoms persist.

While there is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of many of these preventative measures, I am convinced enough to recommend any of these to my readers. None are poisonous.

If you purchase Active 7.1 to keep in your medicine cabinet, I have reproduced the prescribing information below.

Active 7.1

Indications:

The homoeopathic and non-homoeopathic ingredients contained in this formula have been traditionally used to relieve the congestion & fever of minor infections such as, colds, flu, upper respiratory tract and middle ear infections, tonsillitis and hay fever and to relieve the pain, heat, irritation & swelling of localised inflammations.

Directions:

Chew or swallow one tablet every 2 hours with warm water or as advised by your health care professional. (Children over 2 years of age, 1/2 dose).

Not to be used for children under 2 years of age without medical advice. If symptoms persist consult your health care practitioner. Not for the treatment of iron deficiency conditions. Sodium sulphate anhydrous may have a laxative effect. Contains homoeopathic ingredients. No more than 7 doses should be taken in any 24 hour period.

Active Ingredients per tablet:

Potassium sulfate 6X (5 mcg), Potassium chloride 6X (5 mcg), Sodium sulfate anhydrous 6X (5 mcg), Sodium chloride 6X (5 mcg), Calcium sulfate 6X (5 mcg), Magnesium phosphate 6X (5 mcg), Ferrous phosphate 6X (5 mcg).

Potassium sulfate 50 mg (equivalent to elemental Potassium 22.44 mg), Sodium sulfate anhydrous 100 mg (equivalent to elemental Sodium 32.37 mg), Calcium sulfate 15 mg (equivalent to elemental Calcium 3.49 mg), Magnesium phosphate 70 mg (equivalent to elemental Magnesium 14.48 mg), Iron phosphate 10 mg (equivalent to elemental Iron 3.34 mg).

Formula does not contain:

Added lactose, yeast, artificial colourings, artificial flavourings or preservatives.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.