The Flu, Part 1

Since November is National Flu Awareness month, let's take a look at what causes the flu. Naturally, the gut reaction is to answer germs, bacteria and viruses spread from one person to another. While the germs do contain flu viruses, this is not necessarily the cause of the flu in each individual. Germs in and by themselves do not actually cause illness. For example, why is it that on any given day a person can be surrounded by sick people with all of the coughing, sneezing, runny noses and vomiting and not get sick. Not even a sniffle. And then on another particular day, a person can sneeze a city block away from you and then you get the worst illness you ever had. It's not the germ, it's your immune system. Millions of germs and viruses exist in our world, surrounding our bodies on a daily basis, yet we do not always get sick. How well your immune system is functioning determines how your body adapts to a given germ or virus. If your immune system is at the top of it's game, your body's ability to fight germs, viruses and bacteria is much more effective then if it is not. An immune system compromised by stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a dysfunctional nervous system will be much more susceptible to a flu virus. Next week we look at how each of these health factors effects immune system competence.

Thought for the Week: "Refuse to be ill. Never tell people you are ill; never own it to yourself. Illness is one of those things which a man should resist on principle." ---- Edward Bulwer-Lytton , English dramatist, novelist, & politician (1803 - 1873)

Chiropractic Thought for the Week: Dr. Todd Clayton, Vice President of the New Brunswick Chiropractic Association also believes that whole body health has many benefits when it comes to surviving the winter. "Chiropractic care optimizes the function of the neuromusculoskeletal system, thereby enhancing the body's potential for overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Chiropractors also regularly answer questions and make suggestions regarding nutrition, exercise, and numerous other aspects concerning their patients' health and well-being," Todd says. ---- New Brunswick Times and Transcript