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What is this new virus?

In 1976, a swine flu outbreak occurred at Fort Dix in New Jersey. It was primarily contained to the soldiers on the base. After that, the H1 strains disappeared as a threat to people, until now. This new H1 is a mutated version of the 1976 strain.

This H1N1 variation, also known as the swine flu, made an appearance in the spring of 2009. It contains two different flu genes and was primarily found in pigs, though it is not contracted by eating pork. It also contains avian and human genes. It isn’t clear how the virus jumped from swine to human, but the first recorded case of this virus reemergence was in April 2009. Since then, it has spread rather quickly across the globe.

According to statistics on Flu.gov, 70% of those affected by the virus severely enough to be hospitalized had a pre-existing condition making them high risk. This is why developing a swine flu immunity is stressed by the CDC for people with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and even pregnant women because they are all in the high risk category. In the absence of high risk, most cases have been mild.

Why is there a swine flu vaccine in addition to a regular flu vaccine?

The genetic make-up of this strain is very different from the traditional seasonal flu variety that most people experience. Therefore, the seasonal flu shot is not going to offer swine flu protection. Additionally, anyone who may have built up antibodies from the previous swine flu outbreaks occurring in the 1970s and earlier, may not be fully protected because of slight variations in the strains.

Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Everyone has to decide for himself or herself if they should get the swine flu shot or nasal spray or opt out of vaccination.

A major concern for many people is the additives to the vaccine and whether they will trigger additional health problems. It is thought that the vaccine increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Another possibility is an allergic reaction because of the presence of egg and chicken proteins.

Most of the H1N1 vaccine is in multi-dose vials, which means they must have a preservative. This means most of the new swine flu vaccine will contain the mercury preservative, thimerosal.

Another consideration is that the swine flu is not going away. It will reappear every year
When it comes to swine flu protection, carefully consider what your personal risk factors are and talk to your doctor. If you are not at a high risk, you could opt for alternatives that include certain supplements and multi-vitamins, exercise and getting sufficient rest during the season.

Who should worry about swine flu immunity?

Everyone should do what they can to prevent the spread of this new virus that is already at pandemic levels. Whether it is getting the vaccine as soon as it is available or by taking the recommended precautions listed below, everyone needs to be vigilant in staying healthy this flu season.

The CDC strongly recommends and has set a schedule for these individuals to receive the first supply of vaccines: pregnant women, particularly in the later stages, 6 month-24 year olds, anyone working in the healthcare industry and people with chronic health issues and a compromised immune system.

Are there alternatives to getting the vaccine?

The speed at which this new vaccine has been produced and is now in distribution, many people have reservations about its safety. While the CDC has assured the public that it is safe and produced in the same manner as the traditional flu vaccine, many will forego the shot or nasal spray for other swine flu protection methods. Here are some guidelines from the CDC to reduce your risk of infection as well as supplement suggestions to boost your immunity:

1. The first line of defense according to the CDC is hand-washing. By now, you have surely heard the recommendation to sing :Happy Birthday” while soaping up. When out in public, antibacterial gels and wipes are sufficient when you can’t get to a sink.

2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue and the bend of your elbow to protect those around you.

3. Try not to touch your face if you haven’t been able to clean your hands. Germs can get into the mouth, nose and eyes very easily.

4. If you don’t feel well, stay home.

Immune System Vitamins with Resistance

Powerful Immune System Vitamins

At Good Elements, Resistance immune system vitamins contains ingredients to help boost your immunity, especially if you opt not to get the swine flu immunity vaccine.

Vitamin C and A both offer super antioxidant power and infection fighting properties that can help the body fend off the flu germs.

Zinc, Echinacea and ginger are also ingredients in the supplement that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting power to the body. These ingredients are all great ways to stay healthy and a natural alternative to the vaccine if you are worried about the ingredients of the shot.

Whether you opt for the vaccine or simply take immune boosting supplements in Resistance and wash your hands, prevention is the key to controlling the spread.

Immune system vitamins: Resistance

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has named the top 10 “spring allergy capitals” for 2009.  Seven are in the southern U.S.: Louisville, Ky.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Charlotte, N.C.; McAllen, Texas; Greensboro, N.C.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Augusta, Ga. The list, which identifies the “most challenging places to live with spring allergies,”  is based on tree pollen scores but also the number of allergy medications used per patient and the number of allergy specialists per patient. The other cities on the list are Madison, Wis.; Wichita, Kan.; and Dayton, Ohio.

This season has been a particularly rough one for allergy sufferers as the mild winter in many parts of the country has lead to a longer allergy season. Places like Atlanta have seen a surge of pollen since February whilethe typical allergy season in Atlanta is from mid-March through May.  This longer season exacerbates allergies when additional  plants bloom later in spring because allergy sufferers have already been “primed” earlier in the season, he says. When people are primed and then re-exposed to pollen, their symptoms can be worse because a smaller amount of pollen triggers even more misery than normal. Oklahoma also saw trees blooming earlier than usual this year.

We recommend that allergy sufferers try Good Elements’ Sneeze-less natural decongestant allergy relief formula.  Insert code allergyrelief at checkout to save 35% through June 1, 2009.

Source: MSNBC

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30267953/

Are you one of 35 million allergy sufferers?  If you are, this is probably one club you wish you could get out of.  An estimated 35 million Americans suffer allergy related symptoms each year as pollen flies through the air with the greatest of ease.  Or should we say greatest of sneeze?

Sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery, red eyes — these are just some of the symptoms that more than 35 million Americans face each year as the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and plants makes its way into the air. Why does this happen?

Ragweed is the worst allergy culprit in the USA.  This weed is all over and blooms from late summer through autumn.  Worst of all is that is that a single ragweed plant can generate a million grains of pollen a day.  Ragweed pollen stay in the air longer and can travel a greater distance than that of most other plants.  According to the National Wildlife Federation, Ragweed pollen has been found 400 miles out at sea and at altitudes as high as 2 miles.   Though most sources of pollen-activated allergies are known, other organisms are now joining the ranks for the sinister for their allergenic effects.  Thought fungi was as innocent as a mushroom? Think again.

Almost any blooming plant can cause an allergic reaction.  Once inhaled, the allergen provokes the body’s immune system to attack it with a protein called immunoglobin.  Tissue cells then release chemicals such as histamine  which cause symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, wheezing, runny nose and the like.  And how do we recommend blocking these red eye inducing chemicals?  Naturally of course.

The www.goodelements.com website has been pretty well flooded recently with questions about natural decongestants and our Sneeze-less natural allergy relief product.  Sneeze-less combines Quercitin with other histamine blocking herbs and minerals to provide relief from allergy symptoms and to help train the body’s future reponse to airporne allergens. Other natural allergy fighting ingredients include Nettle Leaf, Turmeric and Eyebright herb, all found in Sneeze-less.

So if you are sniffing, wheezing and red eyeing your day through these pretty spring days, remember that you are one of 35 million, and that there are natural ways to leave the club!

Source: National Wildlife Magazine