by Conny Manero

Created on: October 10, 2008

The flu shot is not effective at all.

If there was only one type of flu, then yes, the shot might help; but there are many types and varieties of the flu. Proof of this is that people who had the shot still get the flu.

I understand that some vaccines are beneficial to our health, and I support those vaccines. Polio and smallpox are dangerous illnesses, but the flu - come on!

One of the reasons I am against the flu vaccine is that, if administered, the body never gets the chance to build up antibodies. If occasionally struck down with an illness, the body builds up antibodies to fight off future attacks. With the flu shot the body never gets that chance and its immune system will weaken.

Is it really that bad to get a dose of the flu? So you feel miserable for a couple of days. So what? Wise people often say "If you get the flu, you have a choice. You can fight it, or you can go to bed with it."

Whatever you do, do not fight it by overmedicating. It is a loosing battle. With the so called flu medication you might think you are getting better, but you are not. The flu will come back and this time with a vengeance.

Another bad idea is going to work with the flu. Not only are you endangering your fellow commuters, you are putting your colleagues at risk.

So take the day off. Take two or even three days off. Employers are more sympathetic toward a flu patient staying home, than what they are toward someone who, like a martyr, comes to work with a fever and coughs all over everyone.

The important thing is to rest. Get into bed and sleep; park yourself on the sofa and read; or watch television. Give in to the flu. The sooner you give in, the sooner you will get well.

To help you along, you might want to take some medication against pain and fever that actually work and that will ease some of the symptoms. Liquid intake is very important. Water, apple juice and orange juice are all excellent choices.

A cup of tea, laced with a spoon of honey, is also good. Not only is honey a natural antibiotic, honey is also beneficial for a sore throat.

Just as it is important for a child to suffer through the typical child illnesses in order to build-up their immunity system, so it is important for every healthy human being to occasionally get sick.

I have never had the flu shot and I never will. I've heard rumors that the authorities may try to make it mandatory, but I will fight this rule tooth and nail. My health is my own and no politician is going to mess with that.

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