Whether or not to get a flu shot is an individual decision, even if you have adrenal fatigue
My reservation about the H1N1 flu shot is the same as it is about any other flu shot in any other year. Each flu vaccine only protects against one or two specific strains of influenza. However, there are many viruses and bacteria that make people ill, especially during the winter months. Vaccination against only one or two strains, albeit common or particularly virulent ones, does nothing to protect against the many other causes of flu and respiratory infections. I have had the same question posed to me by my staff and what I told them is that the most important thing you can do to protect yourself from this virus or any other cause of the flu or other upper respiratory ailment is to continually strengthen your immune function. Arm yourself by doing the key things that lead to a strong and responsive immune system:
• Be proactive by regularly using (especially in the months preceding and during cold and flu seasons) the supplements that enhance and build your body’s own natural immune processes over time.
• In addition, take approximately 2,000 mg per day of the best vitamin C you can find (sustained-release, pH balanced, with 1 mg of bioflavonoids for every 2 mg ascorbic acid), and 15 to 30 mg per day of zinc gluconate or picolinate.
• Keep a quick-acting, natural immune booster on hand to help nip things in the bud in case something slips by your immune defenses.
• Adopt an immune-hardy lifestyle by getting eight to nine hours of sleep a night; eating nutritious foods with abundant vegetables, whole grains and some fruits; avoid junk foods and driving yourself with caffeine; and exercise within your tolerance but without exhausting yourself.
It is true that if you are going through adrenal fatigue, you are more vulnerable to respiratory infections. However, the steps listed above combined with proper adrenal support will go a long way toward helping you stay healthy during the winter. If you do get the flu, it will probably be much milder and shorter-lived than had you not taken care of yourself in this way. By continuing to support your adrenals, your recovery should be better, faster and stronger. An important thing to remember during the recovery phase is that once you begin to feel better, not to push yourself. Already this fall I know of two incidences where people with adrenal fatigue got the H1N1 virus, but with continued adrenal support recovered very quickly — only to over extend themselves too soon, get exhausted and further weaken already challenged adrenals, and then become ill with another virus. Had they taken two more days to rest and recover, or had they also strengthened their immune systems, they would probably both have been fine.
Having a flu shot can give you a false sense of security and lull you into believing you are protected from all flus, when in fact you are only protected from one or two specific pathogens. Taking care of your body and personal responsibility for your health, including preparing for the winter by strengthening your immunity as well as maximizing adrenal support if you have adrenal fatigue, is an important concept to understand.
Yours in health,
Dr. James Wilson
