MERS, Measles and You.

I have been following MERS for quite a while now.  Like many of the viruses out there, it has the potential to affect people but is generally hard to catch.  However, 45 % of all cases have been reported in the last month.  With a death toll of about 25%, hopefully it will remain an illness that is not that common. 

Along with MERS, measles is also in the news.  For those who have been vaccinated it is believed that the vaccine is about 95% effective.  For those who haven't it is important stay away from areas (places and events) where exposure is more likely.  And again, make sure your overall immune health is a focus.

Many of us think that if we are not getting sick (and everyone else around us is) because we are healthy.  Often we are mistaken.  Not getting ill is for one of three reasons:

1. By the grace of God, you actually were not exposed to the infective agent and so you didn't get sick.
2. You were exposed and the virus/bacteria decided to set up shop but due to past exposure you had antibodies that attacked the agent and you recovered quickly (these are often the people who feel something coming on but it quickly resolves).
3. Your immune system is so depressed due to stress, fatigue, and poor diet/lifestyle that the virus or bacteria simply infects you and sets up home (more common with viruses).  These are often the people who never get sick until they are on a holiday (if they are lucky)!
   

No matter what your current health status it is important to remember that your ND (naturopath) is here to not only treat your acute conditions, but to help you achieve better health in everyday of your life. 

References:

• http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/mers-spread-by-travellers-very-likely-who-warns-1.2621736
• http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/fifth-case-of-measles-in-edmonton-in-infant-too-young-for-vaccine-1.1792356