WhiskersOnKittens
10-30-2008, 05:30 PM
Hi ladies,
Well, I think I've officially made up my mind NOT to have my 18 mo ds vaccinated this year against the flu. He is quite a healthy little guy, and I worry that the benefits of the shot might not outweigh the risks. So anyway, I've done some research on the net as how to naturally prevent him from getting sick, and good hygiene, healthy eating, and lots of rest and liquids are kind of a given, which is pretty much the only things that I can come across. Does anybody know of anything else I can do for him (and myself, especially since I'm expecting a new baby in February!), to prevent us from getting the flu this season?
Whiskers :)
Well, I think I've officially made up my mind NOT to have my 18 mo ds vaccinated this year against the flu. He is quite a healthy little guy, and I worry that the benefits of the shot might not outweigh the risks. So anyway, I've done some research on the net as how to naturally prevent him from getting sick, and good hygiene, healthy eating, and lots of rest and liquids are kind of a given, which is pretty much the only things that I can come across. Does anybody know of anything else I can do for him (and myself, especially since I'm expecting a new baby in February!), to prevent us from getting the flu this season?
Whiskers :)
Sponsor
mjbrandon
10-30-2008, 06:51 PM
Hey Whiskers-
We opted to not get the shot last year, but I think we are going to get it this year. I totally understand your concern and I also believe that the flu shot is sketchy at best. However, since my DD goes to Church on sunday mornings and is with all of the kids, I feel it is important for her to have it.
I don't know if there is any real way to avoid getting the flu. Maybe it would be better if you and DH could be vaccinated. The only other suggestion I have is to try and keep him out of situations where he will be in close personal contact with people for extended periods of time. Everytime my DD has gotten sick it has been in the church nursery.
I know that was absolutely no help. Good luck! :)
We opted to not get the shot last year, but I think we are going to get it this year. I totally understand your concern and I also believe that the flu shot is sketchy at best. However, since my DD goes to Church on sunday mornings and is with all of the kids, I feel it is important for her to have it.
I don't know if there is any real way to avoid getting the flu. Maybe it would be better if you and DH could be vaccinated. The only other suggestion I have is to try and keep him out of situations where he will be in close personal contact with people for extended periods of time. Everytime my DD has gotten sick it has been in the church nursery.
I know that was absolutely no help. Good luck! :)
AlexaIn2006
10-30-2008, 08:00 PM
You can certainly prevent the flu and you can also stop it if you catch it right away. My daughter is 2.5 and has never been sick. We don't get flu shots or anything like that. I belong to a large moms/kids playgroup in San Diego and Alexa is exposed to others, in fact her best freind is frequently sick, but Alexa never picks anything up. I feed her to the best of my ability (she is very picky right now.) Personally, I am big into organic foods and drinks because you are getting more nutrients and little to no chemicals which weaken the immune system. She drinks organic apple and orange juice, milk. She also drinks quite a bit of water. She takes daily childrens vitamins and in addition to that she takes liquid Herbs for Kids Echinacea/Astragalus, Childs Life liquid vitamin C and I use essential oils in her baths. The essential oils will be soaked up by the skin and go to the bloodstream where it fights infections or helps keep the blood pure. I use several: peppermint, lavendar, bergamot, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Before bed each night or after baths, I made my own mixture of massage oil which consists of lavendar and jojoba oil.
I know I am different than most people in this regard, and most people will continue to use products and foods with chemicals, so if you want to do one thing, I highly recommended the echinacea and even the vitamin C because it really boosts the immune system naturally, better than any flu shot can ever do. Like I always say, you can get all of the flu shots you want, but if the body is not supplied with the vitamins and minerals and even herbs that it needs, you will get sick no matter what because the body is too weak to fight off infection, it is pretty simple. I think you are making the right choice, because getting the flu shot introduces more chemicals and toxins into the body which only further weakens the immune system.....that doesn't make any sense to me.
You and your husband do not need flu shots either, you need the nutrients that will keep the body strong, you may need to supplement, especially going into "flu season" and winter. The flu shot is a crap shoot anyways and you really do not want the chemicals in the body, some are toxic. I never avoid anyone with my daughter, she builds up immunity and she maintains a strong immune system.
Ever wonder why some are exposed to a room full of sick people, yet they do not get sick? Because it is 100% preventable, maintain a healthy immune system naturally and your body will be strong enough to fight off sickness and disease.
I know I am different than most people in this regard, and most people will continue to use products and foods with chemicals, so if you want to do one thing, I highly recommended the echinacea and even the vitamin C because it really boosts the immune system naturally, better than any flu shot can ever do. Like I always say, you can get all of the flu shots you want, but if the body is not supplied with the vitamins and minerals and even herbs that it needs, you will get sick no matter what because the body is too weak to fight off infection, it is pretty simple. I think you are making the right choice, because getting the flu shot introduces more chemicals and toxins into the body which only further weakens the immune system.....that doesn't make any sense to me.
You and your husband do not need flu shots either, you need the nutrients that will keep the body strong, you may need to supplement, especially going into "flu season" and winter. The flu shot is a crap shoot anyways and you really do not want the chemicals in the body, some are toxic. I never avoid anyone with my daughter, she builds up immunity and she maintains a strong immune system.
Ever wonder why some are exposed to a room full of sick people, yet they do not get sick? Because it is 100% preventable, maintain a healthy immune system naturally and your body will be strong enough to fight off sickness and disease.
kittyroo
10-30-2008, 09:33 PM
The question I wrestle with is this: Isn't it through natural exposure that we build immunity? I remember having the flu and all kinds of illnesses as a kid and as a result I never get sick now. I am a hairdresser, so I come in contact with all kinds of sick people, but I just don't seem to catch stuff.
So, on one hand, I want to keep my son from getting anything, but on the other, he has to build immunity somehow. So far I have never had a shot and neither has DS, but I wrestle with it none the less....
So, on one hand, I want to keep my son from getting anything, but on the other, he has to build immunity somehow. So far I have never had a shot and neither has DS, but I wrestle with it none the less....
AlexaIn2006
10-31-2008, 01:08 AM
You make an excellent point KittyRoo.
WhiskersOnKittens
10-31-2008, 01:19 AM
Thanks for the replies!
Kittyroo--I'm the same way. I think that being exposed definitely builds the immune system. I know I got sick (not too often, but on occasion) when I was a kid, but I can only recall twice in the past 7 years or so that I was quite sick. Once with strep throat (7 years ago), and once with the flu 3 years ago. I have had minor colds since, but nothing that doesn't go away within a few days (and not often at all either). So, I definitely think that my immune system is getting stronger.
One thing that I do is take Vitamin C religiously. I really am worried about catching the flu this season (I've never really been worried about it before, and also never had the flu shot), probably because I'm pregnant, and will have a newborn in prime-flu time--so I'm really wanting to do everything possible to avoid it. I've read up on the flu shot, and one reason that I'm leary of getting it is because there is a certain level of mercury in it, and I've read that it could be bad news for a developing fetus :confused: (however, I hold no judgement against pregnant mothers who DO choose to have the flu shot!! ;)).
Thanks for all the info, Alexa--I will try getting him some echinacea, and vitamin c drops. Are the infants' drops available anywhere, or would I need to go to a health food store? He is quite a healthy little guy--he really doesn't get sick very often, but like your dd, he has become picky with some foods (veggies) recently, and I worry about him not getting enough nutrients (he does get a multi vitamin daily). Since I'm a stay at home mom, I really wouldn't be so worried about him catching anything, except for the fact that we recently joined a mom/kids playgroup, where he interacts with about 15 other children once a week. And we all know how well kids share their germs... ;) I've also purchased a hand sanitizer to put on his hands before we leave the group (of course we wash his hands often, but I want to get this done before he has the chance to touch anything at home!).
Thanks again!
Whiskers :D
Kittyroo--I'm the same way. I think that being exposed definitely builds the immune system. I know I got sick (not too often, but on occasion) when I was a kid, but I can only recall twice in the past 7 years or so that I was quite sick. Once with strep throat (7 years ago), and once with the flu 3 years ago. I have had minor colds since, but nothing that doesn't go away within a few days (and not often at all either). So, I definitely think that my immune system is getting stronger.
One thing that I do is take Vitamin C religiously. I really am worried about catching the flu this season (I've never really been worried about it before, and also never had the flu shot), probably because I'm pregnant, and will have a newborn in prime-flu time--so I'm really wanting to do everything possible to avoid it. I've read up on the flu shot, and one reason that I'm leary of getting it is because there is a certain level of mercury in it, and I've read that it could be bad news for a developing fetus :confused: (however, I hold no judgement against pregnant mothers who DO choose to have the flu shot!! ;)).
Thanks for all the info, Alexa--I will try getting him some echinacea, and vitamin c drops. Are the infants' drops available anywhere, or would I need to go to a health food store? He is quite a healthy little guy--he really doesn't get sick very often, but like your dd, he has become picky with some foods (veggies) recently, and I worry about him not getting enough nutrients (he does get a multi vitamin daily). Since I'm a stay at home mom, I really wouldn't be so worried about him catching anything, except for the fact that we recently joined a mom/kids playgroup, where he interacts with about 15 other children once a week. And we all know how well kids share their germs... ;) I've also purchased a hand sanitizer to put on his hands before we leave the group (of course we wash his hands often, but I want to get this done before he has the chance to touch anything at home!).
Thanks again!
Whiskers :D
Brooke85
10-31-2008, 02:38 AM
I have recently started taking vitimin C daily and I give my 2.5 y/o daughter those gummy vitamin c bears in addition to her Disney Princess gummy multi-vitamins. I also have Echinacea, but my daughter doesn't like the taste:(
It sounds like you have the right idea with the hand sanitizer. I always read that washing your hands is the best defense...pretty obvious, but still:) I keep antibacterial hand-wipes in my car as well as the diaper bag because you just never know when you will need one. They are great for wiping down shopping cart handles before putting your little one in there. I also make my daughter wipe her hands off with one right after I pick her up from daycare because I know she will be putting her hands all over her baby brother in a matter of minutes!
It sounds like you have the right idea with the hand sanitizer. I always read that washing your hands is the best defense...pretty obvious, but still:) I keep antibacterial hand-wipes in my car as well as the diaper bag because you just never know when you will need one. They are great for wiping down shopping cart handles before putting your little one in there. I also make my daughter wipe her hands off with one right after I pick her up from daycare because I know she will be putting her hands all over her baby brother in a matter of minutes!
AlexaIn2006
10-31-2008, 01:07 PM
You will probably have to go to a health store.
Do you have a Whole Foods or a Henry's in your area? I live in San Diego and we have many health grocery stores that have these kind of products available. I am from Iowa and until they recently added a "health" section to the store, things like childrens herbs and echinacea and organics were not available in the reasonable sized city! They do make Echinacea Gummy Bears, they would be in the vitamin section or if you have a Sams or Costco.
So I guess it depends where you live. You can always find these products online. Alexa is healthy and I give her these extra vitamins and herbs anyways.
Do you have a Whole Foods or a Henry's in your area? I live in San Diego and we have many health grocery stores that have these kind of products available. I am from Iowa and until they recently added a "health" section to the store, things like childrens herbs and echinacea and organics were not available in the reasonable sized city! They do make Echinacea Gummy Bears, they would be in the vitamin section or if you have a Sams or Costco.
So I guess it depends where you live. You can always find these products online. Alexa is healthy and I give her these extra vitamins and herbs anyways.
Ratatosk
10-31-2008, 01:36 PM
We opt for flu shots because DS has a genetic disease affecting his lungs and digestive system; however, we also take measures to try to keep us all healthy.
When he was a baby, we had the rule that no one could hold him until they washed their hands. I use wipes at the grocery store to wipe down the carts, hand sanitizer or wipes after we shop, go after DS is done with gymnastics or playground. At work I wipe off my phone and desk on a regular basis. I also avoid the community food in the break room during cold and flu season if a one of my coworkers is coughing or sneezing.
If DH and I start to feel a head cold coming on, we do nasal/sinus rinses, drink lots of fluids, take vitamin c and zinc lozenges...
One of my coworkers swears by throwing her kids in the tub right away when they come home from school. Claims her sister's kids were always sick until she did that... I usually just make sure hands are washed or sanitized before DS has a snack or decides to pick his nose :)
When he was a baby, we had the rule that no one could hold him until they washed their hands. I use wipes at the grocery store to wipe down the carts, hand sanitizer or wipes after we shop, go after DS is done with gymnastics or playground. At work I wipe off my phone and desk on a regular basis. I also avoid the community food in the break room during cold and flu season if a one of my coworkers is coughing or sneezing.
If DH and I start to feel a head cold coming on, we do nasal/sinus rinses, drink lots of fluids, take vitamin c and zinc lozenges...
One of my coworkers swears by throwing her kids in the tub right away when they come home from school. Claims her sister's kids were always sick until she did that... I usually just make sure hands are washed or sanitized before DS has a snack or decides to pick his nose :)