THE FLU is a very contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus. Symptoms include generalized aching with a runny nose, sneezing, cough, headache, sore throat, weakness, chills, fever, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. Flu epidemics hit most frequently in the winter or early spring and are responsible for 30,000 deaths a year in the United States alone. CONVENTIONAL PREVENTION AND TREATMENT is simply rest with plenty of fluids and a painkiller such as Tylenol. Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't work on it. WARNING! CHILDREN WITH FLU SHOULD NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, DUE TO THE RISK OF REY'S SYNDROME. FLU SHOTS are used for prevention, but the flu shot is specific for certain strains and won't work on "surprise" epidemics of unanticipated strains. Unlike vaccinations for childhood diseases, which are considered good for a lifetime, flu shots must be repeated yearly; tampering with the immune system. Some studies suggest as many as 50% of those receiving flu shots have complications, with a small percentage that are life threatening. VITAMINS AND MINERALS, according to a Canadian study, cut the incidence of sick days by nearly 50% - more than with the flu shot.
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