MONTREAL, Dec. 26, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - A recent report by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reveals that the 2014-2015 flu vaccine may not be effective enough to protect you from this year's predominant influenza strain, H3N2.
According to Dr. Joe Bressi, with the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), only 50% of the viruses in circulation in North America match those found in the vaccine.
"Considering the PHAC's recent report and the changing strains of viruses currently attacking the population, now more than ever, it is important that Canadians consider complementary measures that can help in the prevention, and if necessary the treatment of colds and flu," said Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of the Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.
A.Vogel's Echinaforce® is an effective remedy made from fresh, organic Echinacea purpurea that is safe to take up to four months and is clinically proven to help Canadians, aged 2 and up, reduce their chances of falling victim to seasonal viruses despite their strain.
In 2012, the largest clinical study using Echinaforce® was conducted at Cardiff University's Common Cold Center. The results refuted previous negative publicity on Echinacea and rekindled health care professionals' faith in recommending clinically studied forms of it by proving its effectiveness in strengthening the immune system and in reducing the incidence and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
"Because there is a great variance among echinacea products, I always emphasize the importance of choosing one that has been clinically researched with proven efficacy. Echinaforce by A.Vogel has been demonstrated to have broad antiviral effects, including activity against H3N2," said Torkos.
According to PHAC, so far this season, 312 patients with laboratory confirmed influenza have been hospitalized in Canada, 301 of them due to influenza A and 23 patients with influenza A have died.
With the recent spike of influenza across Canada, Canadians need to practice extra caution as they hug and kiss their way into the New Year.
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A.Vogel was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1923 by the company's founder and namesake, Alfred Vogel, a phytotherapist, naturopath and a pioneer in natural health. From 1937 Alfred Vogel cultivated and harvested herbs to manufacture remedies from fresh, organic GMO free plants. Today, A.Vogel (Bioforce) has over 500 employees and operates in 30 countries. Our headquarters remain in Switzerland with subsidiaries in Holland, France, Finland and Canada. A.Vogel's commitment to organic farming methods means they use their own, carefully selected seeds, knowing the history of each plant, and having full traceability.
Image with caption: "Logo Bioforce Canada (CNW Group/Bioforce Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141226_C8880_PHOTO_EN_9846.jpg
SOURCE: Bioforce Canada
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