Well yeah, you have to be healthy too. You're not going to fair well against the flu if you're a crackhead who only eats chocolate bars.

But I didn't say getting sick is an effective strategy. I said contact with the cold and flu virus is the only defense against the flu or cold. Very specific on that one wasn't I? What do you think flu shots are? They are half-dead flu viruses.

You have a good point mentioning nutrition. But don't try to knock the fact that exposure is also great to build a strong immune system.

there's a lot of middle ground between someone who is extremely healthy and a candy eating crack head. those in the middle are just as susceptible to getting the flu as any other non-healthy person. the typical diet of processed foods does not provide enough nutrition to support a healthy immune system.

the flu shot is not a half-dead virus, it's a totally dead virus and it is incorrect to say "contact with the cold and flu virus is the only defense against the flu or cold" that's just simply not the case.

exposure to a flu virus as an answer to not getting sick puts the cart before the horse, which is typical of our health care system. if you have a robust immune system based on nutrition and wash your hands, you can and will generally avoid catching any flu virus.

here is some good info on how to avoid getting the flu-


"A healthy diet combined with frequent exercise and adequate sleep is the best defense against flu," says Pat Vasconcellos, registered dietitian, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association in private practice in Boston. Vasconcellos also stresses the importance of washing your hands numerous times a day to keep your body germ-free, including after you eat one of the flu-fighting foods on our list.


If you want to avoid getting the flu this winter, follow these 7 proven techniques for boosting your immune system, fighting off germs, and keeping your body healthy...

1. Get enough sleep. Your immune system functions much better when you get enough sleep. Most people really need about 8 hours per night for optimal health. If you're body is fatigued, it simply won't be able to fight off the flu virus (or any other infection) very well.

2. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps keep your immune system strong. In fact, a recent study showed that mice who performed mild exercise as soon as they were exposed to the flu virus had much lower death rates. Read about the study here.

3. Avoid sugar. Even small amounts of sugar can significantly impair your immune function, making you more susceptible to a flu infection. A large amount of sugar, such as the amount found in a normal can of soda, hurts your immune function for hours.

4. Drink lots of pure water. Keeping your mucous membranes well-hydrated is a key to helping them fight off viruses. Shoot for about eight 8-ounce glasses per day.

5. Reduce stress. Too much stress has a highly negative impact on your overall health and, over time, it will make you much more susceptible to a flu infection. Studies show that prolonged stress is at least partially responsible for 90% of all illness and disease. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep both help reduce stress levels. Also, meditation is a proven stress-buster that is easy, enjoyable and can be used on a daily basis.

6. Wash your hands often. Also, carry a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently, especially after you touch anything that others have touched recently (like doorknobs).

7. Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu. The best flu-fighting foods are:

* Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables - Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy phytonutrients that can strengthen your immune system, lowering your susceptibility to the flu virus.
* Fresh raw or lightly-cooked garlic - Garlic has strong natural antiviral properties that can help to fight off a flu virus. Also, garlic provides a strong boost to your immune system, especially when eaten on a regular basis.
* Green Tea - Like garlic, green tea has shown the ability to both kill viruses and to stimulate the immune system to fight off flu infections, especially when used daily. Try to drink 3-6 cups of strong green tea per day during the flu season.
* Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne has a long list of health benefits and is believed to be a mild immune-booster. Also, cayenne contains large amounts of natural vitamin A, considered to be an important "anti-infection" nutrient.

I wash my hands before I go to the urinal, my penis is probably the cleanest thing I'll tough all day.

You mean all the signs that say you must wash hands before returning to work are only for the employees and everyone else just ignores them? wtf hahahah

Most people wash their hands in the toilet. Didn't you know?

Interesting how there are two theories for staying healthy. Maybe we need to just do what works for us and not create rules for others. Personally, I lean towards "full exposure" to get the best results.

eating healthy is far from a theory eh.

neither is exposure. Already stated this but, you go to the doctor or hospital -- and ask for protection from the flu. they will stick a needle in you with the flu - whether it's dead or not isn't even in the debate - it's still exposure.

thing is, i don't disagree with you that eating healthy and nutrition is a strong defense and keeps your immune system in top shape. i've already said i agree with you previously in this thread.

however you seem to be arguing about the exposure thing.

::shrug::

and than they say man don't wash their hands...
but looks like some women don't do it either...

eh? my comment that healthy eating is not theory was not a comment re: our discussion. and i don't disagree with you that a flu shot is a viable way to avoid the flu, never have. my view is that it is not the best way to strengthen the immune system/avoid the flu.

it was not my intention to come across any other way than this. :)

i always pee on my hands than make food for my friends

You think that's gross, try bringing up a little kid. I've caught my daughter a couple of times not washing her hands after doing a stinky shit. Who knows how many other times she's done it. Yeeccchhhh.