This time of year, in preparation for cold and flu season, flu shot banners hang over dozens of clinics around town. They offer a degree of protection, particularly to the elderly - that is, if the strain that happens to hit also happened to be part of the vaccine. On the other hand, side effects sometimes accompany the injections - and they don't protect against the common cold.

The decision about whether or not to get the flu shot remains a doctor/patient matter. However, if the patient cannot take the flu shot - or fears the possible side effects - other protective measures can help protect and maintain health during the winter season. Antibiotics don't kill viruses.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotic drugs threatens the health of our nation. Physicians constantly face patient pressure to "give something" for most ailments. However, antibiotics do not help colds and flu.(2) In fact, giving an antibiotic "just in case" only compounds the problem. Not only does it not help colds and flu, but it also lowers the patient's immune system. Energy that should be directed toward getting well is wasted by placing an additional stress on the liver to metabolize the drug. In addition, the antibiotic destroys beneficial intestinal bacteria while allowing harmful Candida albicans yeast/fungus to proliferate.

Patients should ask their doctor whether any medication he gives them will actually help their cold or flu. Doctors should resist the temptation to give an antibiotic for colds and flu by explaining its uselessness for any viral infections.

Old-time remedies still work: Vitamin C
Since 1971, 21 placebo-controlled studies evaluating the effect of 1-4 gm./day of vitamin C on the common cold have demonstrated that vitamin C supplementation reduces the duration and severitv of colds by 23% - once the person gets a cold. Consuming 6 gm./day has prevented a significant decrease in vitamin C concentration in leukocytes as the cold progresses.(3)

Multivitamin/mineral supplements
Dr. Ranjit Chandra evaluated the effect of a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing extra vitamin E and beta-carotene on 100 middle class Canadians over 65. The supplemented group had half the number of colds. flus and other infections as the non- supplemented group, and recovered in half the time when they did get sick.(4)

Echinacea
The herb echinacea stimulates the body's own resistance against infections, especially in colds and flu. Patients with strep throat, herpes, candidiasis, staph infections, tonsilitis, bronchitis, and urinary tract infections often find relief with aggressive use of echinacea. The herb increases production of infection-fighting white blood cells and phagocytic (germ-engulfing) activity. Echinacea has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatorv properties.(5,6) Because of its immune-stimulating activity, echinacea is contraindicated in autoimmune disorders.(5) In addition, thymus, adrenal, lymph and spleen glandulars strengthen the immune system.

Colloidal silver-the amazing "micro-bullet"(7)
New evidence on the effectiveness of an old remedy has surfaced over the past couple of years. Long forgotten since the 1930s when pharmceutical antibiotics first took the stage as rapidly effective, more economical wonder drugs, colloidal silver has again emerged as a star player in natural health care.

There are almost no disease-causing organisms that can live in the presence of even minute traces of the chemical element silver. In contrast to a modern antibiotic drug which may kill perhaps half a dozen pathogenic organisms, silver - one of the most universal antibiotic substances known - can kill over 650 different disease organisms, with the exception of spore-forming bacteria.(7 8 9)

Colloidal silver, a suspension of like-charged microscopic particles in deionized water, has demonstrated remarkable ability to destroy not onlv bacteria, but viruses and fungi as well.(5,6,7) These organisms cannot develop resistance to silver - a bonus advantage over pharmaceutical antibiotics. In addition, colloidal silver products containing only 3-5 parts per million are non-toxic.(8,9)

How to use colloidal silver
At the onset of colds and flu, 1 to 3 teaspoons taken 3-4 times per day orally will hasten the illness to its completion. Colloidal silver can be mixed in a little water or absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) directly into the bloodstream. The product has very little effect on beneficial intestinal bacteria. However, a high-potency acidophilus supplement is recommended to insure that desirable levels are maintained during colloidal silver therapy. Consistent daily use could significantly reduce the incidence of infection.(9)

Colloidal silver may also be applied directlv to cuts, scrapes, open sores, shingles, warts or used as a rinse for acne, eczema and other skin irritations. It may be gargled, dropped into the eyes or ears, used vaginally, anally, atomized or inhaled into the nose or lungs. No known adverse side effects and no drug interactions have ever been recorded with the use of properly prepared colloidal silver.(7) Beware of heavily concentrated forms (more than 5 parts per million) which can cause a permanent graying of the skin called argyria.(7,9)

Look for quality products
The best colloidal silver products have been manufactured using the electrocolloidal process and have ultra-fine particles within the range of 0.005-0.015 microns in diameter. A tiny electrical charge placed on the silver particles keeps them in suspension and eliminates the need for stabilizers, chemicals, proteins or artificial additives in a "true" colloid of silver. A superior quality product will have a natural golden yellow color and a pH of approximately 6.5 (almost neutral).(7,9)

Prevention works wonders
A healthy, varied diet coupled with immune-enhancing supplements during the cold and flu season provides the best defense against infection. If a cold or flu does strike, rapid and aggressive action with immune-stimulating supplements may reduce the symptoms or speed recovery.

Some Pre-1938 and Recent Documented Uses of Silver or Colloidal Silver(s)
Hemorrhoids, Impetigo, Lyme disease, Nasopharyngeal catarrh, Open sores cuts and scrapes, Pneumococci, Poliovirus 1 (Sabin strain), Rhinitis, Salmonella, Anthrax bacilli, Adenovirus, B. Tuberculosis, Burns and wounds of the cornea, Candida albicans, Cerebro-spinal meningitis, Chronic cystitis, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Colds and influenza, Colitis, Diarrhea, Diphtheria, Ear infections, E. coli, Endamoeba histolytica. Epiditymitis. Gonorrhea, Shingles, Skin conditions (acne eczema), Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus pyogenes, Typhoid, Sprue, Warts, Whooping cough, HIV.

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