Avian Flu is a specific type of influenza flu virus

that primarily affects birds but recently has been

reported to affect humans, pigs and cats. The

Avian flu virus rarely affects humans, but often

causes serious disease or fatality when it does. The

virus that causes the Avian flu is a sub-type of the

influenza A virus that is known to cause the flu in

humans and is associated with influenza epidemics

and pandemics.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical molecule that mimics estrogen

in the body. This xenoestrogen is an endocrine disruptor that

may potentiate the risk for developing hormonally based cancers,

including breast, prostate and endometrial and may even

lead to infertility or affect the onset of puberty.

It is primarily used in the manufacture of rigid plastic products,

but is also found in canned foods and beverages especially

acidic fruits and vegetables where it stops the contents from

eroding the metal container.

Drug-botanical interactions are a potential risk, in part

due to side effects of drugs and how drugs alter the

physiology of the body. Side effects of drugs and

drug-botanical interactions may also be increased

when there are nutrient deficiencies.

The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

believes it is in your best interest to become informed

about all your options before making any health- or

treatment-related decisions. Review the following information

to become better prepared to determine if the flu vaccination

is the best option for you or family members.

Swine influenza virus (referred to as SIV or H1N1) refers to

influenza cases that are caused by Orthomyxoviruses endemic

to pig populations. “Swine flu” has infected some people every

year, typically people who have been in direct contact with pigs.

The concern is that now H1N1 is also being spread by

person-to-person transmission.

Listeria monocytogenes (commonly called Listeria)

is a type of bacteria often found in food and

elsewhere in nature. It can cause a rare and

potentially serious disease called listeriosis.

Many people may be exposed to Listeria,

but few will actually develop listeriosis symptoms.

It is suspected that Severe Acute Respiratory

Syndrome (SARS) is caused by a virus that affects

the respiratory and immune systems.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that

results in no symptoms in 70-80% of the

population. In 20% of the population it results in

flu-like symptoms and in less than 1% of the

population it results in severe illnesses such as

encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or

meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the

brain and spinal cord).