Personally, we don't do flu shots. I had Influenza Type A when I was first pregnant with Libby and while it was the sickest I have ever been, it is very likely that had I had a shot, I would have gotten sick anyway. Instead, I choose to use natural remedies and good old preventative measures to keep us healthy.
I have long been a believer in and user of homeopathic remedies. I feel that it is a safe alternative and a great way to keep my family healthy. I use Chamomile for teething, Calms Forte for my anxious kiddos, Pulsatilla to turn a stubborn breech baby, Arnica for bruises and sore muscles...the list goes on and on.
Boiron was kind enough to send me three remedies to get ready for this cold and flu season.
Cold Calm Pellets - for treating the symptoms of the common cold
Children's Chestal - for those nasty coughs
Children’s Oscillococcinum - for flu symptoms including the fever, aches and pains that come with it.
Luckily my children are mostly healthy right now (except for the SUPER teething that one is going through), but I feel so much better knowing now that I have this at my disposal.
I think that medicine is great when you need it. I am also so glad that I have the option to treat my family in a more natural and less invasive way.
What about you? What do you do? Are you a hard core flu vaccine getter, or take more of a wait and see approach?
Remember, be kind and respect everyone's opinions, even if they are not similar to your own.
I try to go the more "let nature take its course" attitude. Right now, though, I'm not sure if we are dealing with Strep throat or not. It's frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I don't like to get the flu shot. I felt pressured by the doctor during my first pregnancy and ending up getting the flu despite the vaccine. Now, I am pregnant again a very nervous about H1N1 flu given the complications it can pose to the baby. I wish it were an easy decision. Under normal circumstances, I am a firm believer in hot lemon and honey! Thanks for these great suggestions- I hope we won't be needing them this year but at least we can be prepared.
ReplyDeleteHaving had the flu and being miserable, I am a huge proponent of the flu shot...and I HATE SHOTS! But I'd rather be inconvenienced for 2 minutes than be out of commission for a full week or more. Even though I'm preggers now, I got the shot at my doctors recommendation and made sure my hubby, and 2 kiddos were vaccinated also. I don't want my little one who will show up in less than 3 weeks to catch anything from us before his immunities are built up. But then again...that's just me!
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the natural approach to health & wellness. We use homeopathics way more than "regular" meds. Right now, though, we're kind of hiding from the world since we have a newborn and the flu seems to be everywhere.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom who has COPD gets one every year. The H1N1 would most likley be deadly for her.
ReplyDeleteI don't do flu shots. I prefer a more natural approach as well. I am trying to get over the flu right now. I have to say that the three to four days of a 103 or better temp, was pure misery! It was the worst achy flu I can remember. But now I have had it and I'm good to go!
I have only ever had a seasonal flu shot once for me and my kids, but lately I never seem to be able to get all 7 kids and myself to the Dr's in time for the shot before they run out. My husband gets one free at his work, so he has a flu shot every year. At the serious urging of my Dr. though, I made sure to get every single one of my children the H1N1 flu mist, which we did almost 2 weeks ago. Not a single side effect to report, for which I am very grateful. I am still hoping to get the shot for myself, but so far the local health clinic has run out. I have a couple of home remedies that I use when needed, but for the most part I use medicine from the Dr. when necessary, which thankfully is not that often. (and so interesting to read what everyone else has to write on the subject)
ReplyDeleteOh, and I understand not every Dr. feels the same way as mine, and I know every situation, family and Dr. is different.
ReplyDeleteI have never gotten a flu shot and have no intentions of getting the H1N1 either. Something about injecting sickness directly into my body that I can't deal with personally.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have strong feelings about flu shots one way or the other. I usually don't get flu shots, but for some reason this year I did get them for my four kids. Next year, who knows what we will do.
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