Ignorance is Contagious

The media refuses to report on immune-supporting nutrition.

Months after the first case of H1N1, or swine flu, was made public, the alarm has largely faded, leaving many feeling puzzled. While the doomsday headlines in early swine flu reporting were justified given the uncertainty surrounding this strain, those headlines continued well after H1N1 was identified as no more harmful than the garden-variety flu that kills 20,000 people every year. As the flu had been dubbed epidemic and hysteria ensued, the protective facemask became a symbol of the public’s response to a frightening and previously unknown health threat.

The CDC released recommendations as part of an H1N1 preparedness plan, including wearing those facemasks , washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places. While these ideas are sensible, they appear to reflect the flaws of America’s prevailing health perspective— the idea that we react to sickness rather than plan for it.

The media’s alarmist rhetoric seemed to encourage that perspective, while failing to give coverage to a more preventive viewpoint. While doomsday scenarios sold papers, what may be a more important story went unrecognized: Very few media reports discussed how pursuing a proactive, natural lifestyle that promotes a healthy immune response may help manage not only H1N1, but all strains of influenza.

A Glaring Omission
When it comes to the flu, immunity is our first line of defense. Those with healthy immune systems stand a better chance of fighting off the flu. The CDC acknowledged that H1N1 posed the greatest risk to those with suppressed immunity, such as the very young, the elderly and those taking immunosuppressive medications. Other experts also believe that diminished immune function is far more widespread due to modern lifestyle factors such as stress, overcrowding, overuse of antibiotics and poor nutrition. But how many news reports discussed immunity in the context of H1N1?

It is curious indeed how little coverage was given to immunity’s role in the H1N1 outbreak. While the media did rightfully warn consumers against nutritional supplements claiming to treat or prevent the swine flu, it dropped the ball on reporting on nutritional supplements that studies suggest may help support a healthy, modulated immune response. Some examples include olive leaf, which may have anti-viral properties; larch arabinogalactan, which has been linked with robust immune response; and andrographis, which one study suggested was associated with fewer complications and faster recovery in those suffering from influenza.

Personal Health Responsibility
The CDC now reports that although we are in a lull, H1N1 may return to the US in the fall of 2009. That return will likely be accompanied by the same common-sense flu recommendations and another slew of doomsday reports. While the CDC recommendations should of course be followed to the letter, the lack of reporting on natural immune support suggests that we must investigate independently for solutions to further optimize our defenses against H1N1.

Are you among the natural health devotees who will augment CDC recommendations by taking dietary supplements that may encourage a healthy—but not excessive— immune response? If nutritional supplementation is part of your practice of taking personal responsibility for your well-being, then you must join the fight to ensure that health freedom to take those supplements always remains in our power.

If you pursue health knowledge beyond the limits of what appears in media headlines, then share what you’ve learned with others and encourage them to join the fight for health freedom as well. Finally, Join the Nutritional Health Alliance (NHA) health freedom advocacy group. For the sake of health freedom, join the NHA today!