With the recent outbreak of swine flu across the world, parents are rushing to find ways to protect their children.  Doctors, naturopaths and others all recommend a “back to basics” approach to reducing the risk of contracting this virus.  This approach essentially consists of diligently implementing an ongoing regime of good personal hygiene.  This includes encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouth when they cough, and staying at home during times of illness. Before parents rush to a vaccine, however, they need to know the risks.

Root Concept:

Currently, there is no human vaccine for swine flu.  The current influenza vaccines available in Canada and the US may or may not be effective.  Current child influenza vaccines, however, do contain some dangerous ingredients. For example, they include trace amounts of mercury (Thimersol) used as a preservative.

What Experts Say:

The acting head of the Centers for Disease Control says the best way to prevent swine flu spread is by taking precautions we were taught as kids like covering your mouth and washing your hands.

Success Story:

In January 2003, the first SARS case was reported in China. This rare form of pneumonia eventually spread to 25 countries across five continents, infecting over 8,000 people and resulted in 774 deaths before succumbing to aggressive public health measures in early July 2003.

Bottom Line:

This disease underscores the importance of not only local research, aggressive quarantining and governmental support in controlling new emerging diseases, but also just plain old basic personal hygiene for your kids.

Written By: Chris Charlwood