Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic: Fact or Fiction?

Everywhere you go lately you can hear people talking about the dreaded swine flu.  Endless fear-based claims have been made in the media regarding this threatening pandemic that will kill millions thus promoting the ‘new’ vaccination for swine flu.  But is what you are being told fact or is it fiction?  It is important to be educated on this topic but please be cautious of your sources and their ulterior motives (considering the swine flue vaccination will be a multimillion-dollar venture).   

H1N1 is a respiratory illness of pigs caused by the influenza A virus that does not normally infect humans.  However there is a new variation on this strand that contains genetic material from birds + pigs, A(H1N1) that is causing flu outbreaks in humans. 

Symptoms of swine flu include cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fatigue and lack of appetite, much like other seasonal influenza outbreaks.  However, what is less well known is that the H1N1 is a rather weak virus as compared to other scarier bugs out there such a malaria and even the regular flu.  H1N1 is proving to be less and less severe as time goes by, as all new cases have been reported as mild.    

However, the possibility of becoming infected is always present as the swine flu is transmitted from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat.  Thus, being proactive or having a plan of action is key in the case that you or your family members contract H1N1 or any other flu/virus for that matter.   

Homeopathy is an ideal way to be proactive about your health.  When you are in a state of health and your body is functioning optimally on all levels (mental, emotional & physical) you are less likely to come down with a bug.  Homeopathy is also superior if individuals of any age do contract the flu, as homeopathic remedies stimulate your body so that your own immune system can more effectively combat the virus.  Moreover, homeopathy is a quick acting, effective, and painless.   

Other proactive solutions include simple measures such as washing your hands thoroughly, coughing into a tissue or your sleeve, adequate rest, avoiding sugar & processed food, and decreasing your stress level.  Adequate Vitamin D has also shown to be extremely beneficial in preventing all forms of influenza.  

You may have noticed that the swine flu vaccination was not listed as a proactive solution.  This is because similar vaccinations used in the 1976 swine flu outbreak have been shown to be more dangerous than swine flu itself.   Such swine flu vaccinations have a bad track record of triggering a neurological condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).  This disease attacks the lining of the nerves causing paralysis and inability to breath, sometime resulting in death.  “According to The Daily Mail, the British Health Protection Agency sent letters to 600 neurologists on July 29th, warning them to be on the lookout for cases of Guillain- Barré Syndrome once the swine flu vaccine campaign begins” (Dr.Mercola.com > Warning: Swine Flue Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease). 

There has been inadequate research conducted on this vaccine that is being mass-produced and prioritized to children and pregnant women (a population whose immune function is already compromised making them more susceptible to the side-effects).   Thus, individuals must weigh the risks of vaccination versus that of acquiring the swine flu.  When you look more in-depth at the facts it is a no brainer.   

The Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine (OCHM) offers an appointment based as well as walk-in clinic on Wednesdays + Thursdays.  If you have concerns that you or a family member might have swine flu or if you simply want to be proactive, the students & supervisors at OCHM will be more than happy to help you with your questions and concerns.    

OCHM is committed to working towards a healthier community thus we are continually monitoring for cases of influenza according to the Ministry of Health. OCHM is also co-operatively working with other homeopathic organizations in preparing a plan of action in the event of a more severe swine flu pandemic.     

Andrea Hauser, B.Kin, D.H.M.H.S., H.D.