MONTREAL, Feb. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent study confirms that the 2014-2015 flu vaccine offers little or no protection from this year's predominant influenza strain H3N2.
The research, based on data from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, found the vaccine offers most people virtually no protection against the strain that's causing many Canadians to require medical care.
"Considering the results from this recent study 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.
So far this season, 312 patients with laboratory confirmed influenza have been hospitalized in Canada, 301 of them due to influenza A. According to PHAC, 23 patients with influenza A have died already this season.
With cases of influenza still at a high level across Canada, Canadians need to practice extra caution for both themselves and their loved ones.
References:
1. INTERIM ESTIMATES OF 2014/15 VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST INFLUENZA A (H3N2) FROM CANADA'S SENTINEL PHYSICIAN SURVEILLANCE NETWORK, JANUARY 2015
2. Pleschka S, Stein M, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV). Virol J. 2009 Nov 13;6:197.
3. Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract. Antiviral Res. 2009 Aug;83(2):165-70.
The history of a successful brand
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. The company's 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.