Research from Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) suggests that the H1N1 virus has fueled supplement sales around the globe. NBJ research cited accounts from Australia to South Korea to Germany to the Philippines to South Africa which affirmed the view. The chief spike in sales is in immune-support supplements. Richard Henfrey, director of people and strategy at Blackmores, an Australia-based firm, is quoted as saying the “in recent months, global health concerns, including H1N1, have resulted in a high demand for general health and immunity products.” The NBJ reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have issued 147 warning letters since May 2009 to companies marketing products—from air filters and face masks to shampoos and supplements—for prevention or cure of H1N1 flu.

Reprint from January 2010 edition of John Weeks’ Integrator Round-up http://integrativepractitioner.com .

Are you and your family going to get the swine (H1N1) flu shot? The question people are wrestling with now is this: Which is more dangerous? The risk of getting the swine flu or the risk of dangerous side effects from the vaccine? Here are some sites that feature a variety of opinions. You can start to prepare yourself to make an informed decision.

PRO
“CDC’s Advice to Parents: Swine Flu Shots for All”Delece Smith-Barrow, Washington Post Staff Writer

“Intense tracking for swine flu shot’s side effects”Yahoo News/ Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press Medical Writer

CON
“Vaccine revolt! Swine flu vaccine support crumbles as flimsy rationale for H1N1 shots becomes apparent”Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

“Swine flu jab linked to killer nerve disease: Leaked letter reveals concern of neurologists over 25 deaths in America” Jo MacFarlane, Mail Online (UK news source)

Another approach you might not have considered yet is how acupuncture can boost your resistance factor to swine flu. At our Minneapolis Acupuncture clinic we offer a preventive protocol to help keep you well this fall and winter. Call us at 612-866-4000 and ask about our Immune Booster Acu-Pack. Or visit us at http://orientalmedcare.com/acupuncture flu_cold_common.html .