Some Tulsa Chiropractors Offer Alternative Method To Flu Shot

In Oklahoma, 14 people have been hospitalized because of the flu virus already this season; three of those people are in Tulsa.

Over the years, more and more people have opted out of getting the flu shot and are choosing alternative methods of staying virus free.

In fact, some chiropractors claim a simple adjustment at their office could prevent the flu.

"The immune system is being compromised, so, therefore, by an adjustment allows that immune system to work like it's supposed to," Dr. Lance Goodwin said.

And with more and more people opting out of the traditional flu shot, Goodwin said he sees more patients this time of year.

"The immune system is ran by the spinal cord and the nervous system, so if your nervous system is being blocked in some way by a vertebra being out of alignment, that's going to help to boost your immune system by removing that interference," he said.

However, over at the Tulsa Health Department, they still recommend the traditional method.

"We stick with what we know science is showing us and what the Centers for Disease Control and all of the studies show that the flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent someone from getting influenza," Ellen Niemilato said.

Currently, alternative forms of preventing the flu are not recommended by the CDC. Some doctors even speak out against the alternatives just like some speak out against the traditional vaccines.

Goodwin says he’s not on either side.

Erin: "Do you guys recommend against flu shots?”
Goodwin: “Some people do. I'm not against anything, I'm for healthcare."

The Tulsa Health Department strongly recommends flu shots for those at the highest risk - children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

"Influenza, it can be a very serious illness," Niemilato said.

As for Goodwin, he said he hasn't had a flu shot in years.

"I think if you take care of your body, your body will take care of you," he said.

The flu season runs from October all the way through March.