It’s that time of year again…flu season. Thinking about getting the flu shot? It is safe? What side effects might you experience? Should your baby get the flu shot? Should your grandparents? If you are pregnant, should you get one?

Up until a few days ago, I wasn't sure what to believe. There are medical professionals on both sides of the argument sharing what appear to be valid concerns and data to support their respective causes.

My doctor urged me to get the flu shot every year, and every year until recently I did. The more I research, the greater my concern about these ‘cocktails’ that are being pushed as ‘healthy’ and ‘preventative’ solutions.

CNN.com recently reprinted an article from Health.Com about the flu shot. This article cites medical professionals and researchers who aren’t comfortable with the ingredients found in the flu shot. In fact, one chemical, a preservative called thimerosal, is banned in vaccinations and medications in various U.S. States including California, New York and Delaware. Yet the majority of flu shot manufacturers still use thimerosal as a preservative. The concern is that thimerosal is about 50% mercury and the link between mercury and Autism is still undetermined. Although there are some flu shots available that don’t have mercury, they are a minority and usually are only available by special request.

In addition to the concern regarding thimerosal, there are other ingredients in the flu shots that are questionable: formaldehyde, monosodium glutamate (MSG), ethylene glycol (also found in antifreeze) and aluminum. In fact, various studies have shown that individuals who have more than five flu shots in consecutive years are 10 times more likely to get Alzheimer’s due to Aluminum toxicity. (One such study was conducted by Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, Founder and Director of Research, NeuroImmuno Therapeutic Research Foundation)

Another ingredient within the flu shot is the actual influenza virus which is preserved in some of the chemicals listed above. If you would like to read more about the flu shot ingredients and their potential effects, check the related links below.

The pharmaceutical companies report a low incidence of side effects and complications, and they claim the flu shot has saved many lives. Yet, there are numerous reports of side effects. These often manifest slowly and most people are not aware that they may have been caused by the flu shot. Side effects can include: hives, the flu, immunity disorders, and even death.

Also, did you know the flu shot is based on a previous year’s strain of the flu? So it is a gamble whether or not you will be immunized from this year’s strain.

I think when it comes down to it, to truly live naturally means eating healthy, maintaining emotional, physical and spiritual balance, establishing good sleep patterns, getting fresh air and sunlight, and practicing good hygiene. The result will be a strong immune system. So, how can injecting anything that contains ingredients as unnatural to our own systems as MSG, formaldehyde, aluminum or thimerosal be considered healthy (or natural)? If anything, the flu shot might damage one’s immunity and health more than it helps it.

Each individual has the ability to choose what is best for him or herself. I hope that with the information that I have provided here, you can use this as a springboard for your own research, and then make an informed choice.