Last year I decided to opt out of the seasonal flu vaccine and take my chances. So a year later I have not gotten sick beyond a couple of head colds and a sinus infection. That is including the start of the H1N1 outbreak to date. Now there are two flu vaccines and I have decided to opt out of both. I’m not getting the flu jab and I’m not getting the pig flu jab. Basically I don’t trust it. I don’t trust what’s coming to me in the way of official stories and I am confident I can do a better job of managing my health and building up my immune system.
I’m not sick.
And I’m taking steps to keep it that way. I’m super-dosing vitamin C, taking more mineral supplements, trying to make better food choices, staying hydrated, using hand sanitizer frequently and trying to get more rest. I’m also staying away from social functions whenever possible. I’m not being a complete recluse but I am opting out of a lot right now.
Having Type II Diabetes places me in one of the higher risk groups. The choices and actions I am making and taking right now are in spite of this.
For those of you who have not yet read the book or seen the miniseries, that is a reference to Stephen King’s The Stand.
You can start getting some information in this Reuters AlertNet article. Beyond checking the dates on whatever flu symptom OTC meds you have and replacing anything within 6 mo. of expiring, I would suggest keeping extra hand sanitizer around and carrying one of the pocket-sized ones with you. You should use it after shaking hands with people (not in their presence but prior to eating or rubbing eyes or anything like that). The advice being given to people in Mexico is to avoid large public gatherings, avoid shaking hands and kissing people on the cheek. I think we all should heed that advice to some degree. Remember, this is not about offending or hurting anyone’s feelings. It’s about not catching and/or spreading disease. Life is more important than feelings and sensibilities. Also, make sure you’re taking vitamin supplements, preferably in capsule form and be sure to check expiration dates on that as well. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for individuals sneezing and coughing and making no attempt to cover their mouths. Other than that, keep watching the news.