A Safe and Effective Flu Shot Alternative
A Personal Testimonial
by Carol Hansen Grey

I shake my head in amazement at all the hype we're hearing about the shortage of flu vaccine this year. I am 60 years old and my husband is 61. Neither of us has ever, in our entire lives, received a flu shot and even if there was enough vaccine available, we would not be opting to get a flu shot this year.

So, do I get the flu every year? The answer is a resounding NO. I've experienced the beginnings of flu symptoms many times, but I rarely get the flu! How do I avoid it? Well, there are a number of things that I do to keep myself healthy -- I eat organic food whenever possible, I take vitamins, I play tennis regularly, I meditate daily, I don't dwell on negative and fear-based thoughts AND I actively pay attention to how my body is feeling, taking appropriate action when needed.

For instance, at the very FIRST SIGN that I may be coming down with the flu (i.e., muscle aches, scratchy throat, chills & fever, etc.) I immediately take a homeopathic remedy called Oscillococcinum® (pronounced: o-sill'-o-cox-see'-num). It's inexpensive, easy to take and safe. I always keep a package in my medicine chest because it is important that you take it when the symptoms FIRST appear. (Often this is in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning when it would be impossible to run out to the health food store to get some.)

I'll never forget the first time I took Oscillococcinum. I woke up one morning several years ago feeling awful -- weak, achy, feverish. On the advice of our Naturopathic physician we had purchased Oscillococcinum several months prior and had it handy. I followed the directions on the package and dissolved the entire vial of the small round pellets under my tongue. I remember the most amazing thing happening as pellets were dissolving. I actually felt the symptoms leaving my body. Within 15 minutes they were completely gone and I was feeling great. The flu never materialized!  Ever since that experience, I have been a true believer in the power (and the magic) of Oscillococcinum.

Here is some information about Oscillococcinum taken from the Oscillo website (www.oscillo.com)

Why should Oscillococcinum® (also called Oscillo®) be your first line of defense against symptoms of flu such as fever, chills, body aches and pains?

• Oscillo will not mask symptoms of an underlying serious condition.
  
• Oscillo is NOT contraindicated if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, kidney disorders or asthma and/or if you cannot use antihistamine or decongestant medications.
  
• Because of its safety, Oscillo is an excellent choice for children 2 years of age and older. Under the supervision of a physician, pregnant women and infants can also use Oscillo.
  
• Oscillo is the #1 over the counter (OTC) flu medicine in France.
  
• Oscillo is the #1 homeopathic flu medicine in the U.S.

How does Oscillococcinum work?

Oscillo is thought to stimulate your body’s own defenses. It works best at the onset of symptoms, when your body has more resources to react. In recent clinical studies, 63% of patients treated with Oscillococcinum showed clear improvement in 48 hours. A clinical brochure summarizing the results of these studies is available upon request.

Who makes Oscillococcinum?

Oscillo is made by Boiron, the world leader in homeopathy. For more than 65 years, Boiron has been committed to funding scientific research and educating the public and health care professionals on the benefits of homeopathic medicines.

So, where can you buy Oscillococcinum?  We purchase it at our local health food store where it sells for around $6.95 for a 6 vial package or $12.95 for a 12 vial package.  There are also many sites on the Internet that sell it.  You can find them by doing a Google search on Oscillococcinum. 

May you be healthy during this flu season,
with or without a flu shot!