There is still a great deal of concern over the H1N1 flu vaccine--more than half of Americans recently surveyed said the chances that they would be seeking the vaccination are slim. The same sentiment holds true in Europe and Canada, as fears over the safety and even the effectiveness of the vaccine continue to grow.

In Canada drug maker GlaxoSmithKline asked the Canadian government to pull a batch of the vaccine they had provided from use while they conducted an internal investigation into reports that those who had received a flu shot from a batch produced in October of this year had experienced higher than expected rates of severe allergies (anaphylaxis).

From amongst those who were vaccinated, such severe reactions (which include swelling of the tongue and throat and periods of respiratory distress) were seen in approximately one in every 20,000 patients, far higher than the more usual 1 in 100,000.

In the US a teenager from Virginia was confirmed as having developed the muscle disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) mere hours after receiving an H1N1 shot. Deaths were reported in Sweden, Japan and China.

If you are one of the millions who will not be getting the vaccine what can you do to protect yourself and your family? There are advertisements everywhere for natural alternative remedies to fight the flu, but how can you tell the reality from the hype?  

 Elderberry has been used for centuries to ward of colds and flu, but now conventional science is beginning to understand why. Israeli research revealed that black elderberry increased production of cytokines (small proteins that improve immune functions). In another study, patients who ingested a simple elderberry syrup reported feeling better 4 to 5 days earlier than those who did not.

Other herbal remedies such as echinacea and zinc receive mixed reviews but can be somewhat effective if they are taken as soon as symptoms appear. And that old standby a spoonful of honey is still better for soothing a cough than over-the-counter cough medicines, good news for kids as many pediatricians no longer recommend giving such preparations to kids.

In Chinese medicine colds and flus are divided into two different types and both are treated accordingly. A “cold cold” (sniffles, chills and an irritated throat) makes the patient crave warmth, while a “hot cold” (fevers, swollen glands and headaches) often has a person thinking about diving headfirst into an ice bath.

For a cold cold a preparation of grated whole ginger root and four chopped scallion bulbs in a quart of boiling water is recommended. Drink the tea very hot with a bowl of white rice, retire to a warm bed, and you should, according to Chinese medical practitioners, feel much better in the morning.