Why I Never Get Flu Shots

It’s the beginning of another icy cold winter in the southern hemisphere. And in the wake of the flu vaccine being rationed in Australia, am I concerned? Not at all. Despite the increased demand, especially since we experienced one of the worst outbreaks of flu in 2017, and influenza, obviously, having the potential to turn deadly, I will continue to take precautions naturally — with homeopathy.

Although flu strains are mutating faster than the vaccines that are being created, I have never had a flu shot. And I never will. That’s my choice.

The only time I had the flu was when I was about 14 or 15 years old. (That’s almost three decades ago.) It happened after some of my classmates were struck down with it, as well as my younger brother getting it, along with half of the neighbourhood.

It was also around this time that I was introduced to homeopathy by my then chiropractor and osteopath. As some are aware, homeopathy is a complementary medicine that consists of minute substances such as minerals or plant matter that are highly diluted. The dilution is mostly done in spring water and to a lesser-degree, if used at all, ethanol, or sometimes grape-based brandy. What’s more, homeopathy has been around for nearly 200 years, with its origins starting in Europe.

In essence, homeopathy is based on the theory of treating like symptoms with like, which is also known as the Law of Similars. That means that whatever is causing those symptoms will usually help cure those symptoms, providing they are diluted. That’s because the more diluted they are, the more effective they become. Interestingly, the flu shot is, in theory, also based on the Law of Similars. However, as we know, it’s done in a completely different way.

Whether homeopathy comes in liquid form or as pilules (in this case tiny white tablets), the beauty is it’s non-toxic and non-addictive. Usually, it’s also somewhere between pleasant tasting to tasteless.

Aside from taking homeopathy for other things as needed (for example, golden staph prevention drops pre- and post-surgical procedures or biopsies, or rock rose for anxiety), I take homeopathic flu drops that have been specially prepared by a knowledgeable, well-qualified and registered naturopathic and/or homeopathic practitioner. These are prepared according to the various flu strains for that particular year and/or season. For me, these homeopathic flu drops are a wise investment, usually being about $25 per year for a 100ml bottle.

Once a week (if I remember), especially between late April and September, I take 5–10 drops under my tongue as a preventative, based on what my naturopath and/or homeopath suggests for me.

Of course, there are those, from some religious faiths to scientists and medical practitioners, who think homeopathy is either pseudoscience or has no basis whatsoever. Some believe it’s possibly even witchcraft. But I’m not somebody who needs scientific proof (although it’s nice to see when it does happen), nor a cauldron and a broomstick, let alone aspersions being cast about anything. If it has a natural basis and it actually helps me, I’m all for it.

And while some might put it down to me having a mostly clean diet and lifestyle, not having constant exposure to children, or it’s purely coincidental, there’s another reason why I know homeopathy resonates with me.

Despite having a compromised immune system for a few years, it was while I was working in a TV production office of about 30 people that the benefits of homeopathy were put to the test. Out of all those who came down with seriously debilitating cases of flu (including those that had flu shots) over the course of six weeks, myself and another colleague, who worked directly in front of me, didn’t get it.

However, it was only when everyone recovered that said colleague came down with a mild dose of the flu. About a week later, I felt a slight inkling that something was stirring, so I upped my flu drops for a few days and knocked it on the head.

It was interesting how many in the production office suddenly became interested in homeopathic remedies, specifically flu drops. They preferred its effectiveness over the flu shots.

Even members of the British Royal Family have been advocates of homeopathy and other alternative modalities for aeons. Apparently, it all started with Queen Elizabeth’s father’s interest in it, which has, invariably, been passed down to Prince Charles, given his passion for organic food and the natural world.

Of course, whether you get the flu vaccine or take homeopathic drops, there’s no guarantee you won’t get the flu, they just lessen the chances. At the same time, it’s important to realise that alternative or traditional medicine isn’t a quick fix, either. Sometimes symptoms can worsen in the short-term or have a purging effect. But what I do love about complementary therapies is their holistic approach, whereby it treats the whole person.

At the same time, it’s about becoming aware of the choices we have (not feeling pressured, doing it out of fear or thinking flu shots are the only option) and making decisions based on what we feel is best for ourselves.

For me, homeopathy is my best shot at stopping the flu.