Getting a vaccine does not mean you will never get the flu. What it does is it lessens the effect the illness has on you. In short, you won’t have the body pains, the excessive appetite loss, or the need to be hospitalized.
Needle point injections are feared by most people, this might attribute the small percentage of people getting flu shots. In the case that this happens, there is an easier, less fearful alternative. Flu vaccines are readily available in nasal spray form and it proves to be as effective as a normal flu shot.
Contracting the flu can be very dangerous even for those in perfect health. Getting flu vaccines is a must for people over 50 years of age. It is also a must for kids aged 6 months to 5 years and for people with pre-existing ailments. Getting you a flu shot reduces the risk of acquiring influenza virus and other influenza related complications.
It is not advisable to get a flu shot if you have developed a reaction to a previous flu vaccine shot. If you have an allergic reaction to eggs, it is also not advisable for you to get a flu shot. Also if you had Guillan-Barre syndrome in the weeks after your flu shot.
This medicine is available in various places.
Posts Tagged ‘Flu Vaccine’
Oh, oh, it is flu season again, and with it comes the quandary–should I get a flu shot or should I take an alternative route. We think it would help if you got the pros and cons to assist in making an intelligent choice.
We know what they are saying out there. If you get the flu shot, you can go anywhere and do anything and you are invincible and totally exempt from catching anything. The question is, if the above were true, why is there so much negative propaganda out there about the shots? Why do so many alternative and medical practitioners have skepticism and think it does more harm than good?The chief reason numerous experts believe flu vaccines do not work is because of a natural scientific event called “antigenic shift and drift”. What this means to you is that viruses are forever evolving and mutating from one form to another. According to The Center for Disease Control, “Influenza seasons are unpredictable. The beginning, severity, and length of an epidemic can vary widely from year to year making it impossible to accurately predict the features of any season.”And what do the pharmaceutical companies base their flu vaccine on–Last year’s influenza virus! How preposterous do you think the concept of producing a vaccine today to protect you from the exact virus that is rampant right now–if by the time it is manufactured and used, the virus will have already mutated many times into a completely different virus.
Why is it that when you check out the statistics, it shows that only a few decades ago, less than 20,000 people a year died from the flu? Guess what–last year, the numbers were well over 40,000. Yes, the population has increased by 25%, but hospitalizations and deaths from the flu have multiplied 100%. Does that sound like the flu shot is working?
In addition, it is very important that you determine what substances are being dispensed through the needle. Here are some of the substances that have been listed in the manufacturing of the flu vaccine:
Antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin are included to eradicate stray bacteria located in the mixture. Thimerosol, which is an organic from of mercury is used as a preservative. Thimerosol has been linked to brain injury and autoimmune disease. In addition, numerous studies have revealed substantially increased odds of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation, speech disorders, personality disorders and thinking abnormalities in children after receiving a vaccine containing thimerosol.
Additional Ingredients:
Triton-X 100, a detergent
Formaldehyde, an embalming fluid that is carcinogenic
Polysorbate 80, an emulsifier that is a possible carcinogen
Gelatin and residual egg proteins used to encourage the cultures. (How about people who are allergic to eggs?)
Ethylene Glycol, used as automobile anti-freeze.
Carbolic Acid, a toxic, caustic poison
Aluminum, known to cause Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and cancer.
We’re not finished yet, as there are possible added risks connected with the injectable flu shot that you should know about:
Anaphylaxis (an abrupt, severe allergic reaction to the vaccine components)
Vasculitis (an acute inflammation of the blood vessels due to an autoimmune response) somewhat unlikely, but has happened in rare occasions.
Becoming gravely ill or developing a high fever within 48 hours of the shot.
People who have a medical history of seizures or seizure disorders should definitely talk to their doctor before deciding to get a flu shot.
I guess you will have to determine whether this is a good thing for you or not. Evaluating your particular situation is key in the decision making process. Taking into consideration things like where you work, or whether you travel a lot and are exposed to germs on a constant basis. Do you have several children at home who could bring it home from school or an elderly parent that lives with you?
There is even a group of medical practitioners who believe that there are benefits to getting the flu. They look at it as a chance to build up a resistance to the virus while you are healthy, so that when you are older, your body has some knowledge or limited immunity. It is also an excellent way for your body to detoxify and alert you as to whether your immune system is in tip top shape. Of course, this is taking into consideration that you do not have a condition such as diabetes, asthma, pulmonary problems, emphysema, recurrent pneumonia or a challenged immune system–in which case you might want to discuss taking the flu shot with your physician.
If at this point, you have decided that you don’t want the flu shot, then there are other things you can do to keep from getting sick. The single, most intelligent, and natural way to protect yourself and prevent the flu is to make sure that your immune system is a powerful one and is in tip top shape.NATURAL WAYS TO FIGHT THE FLU VIRUS
Echinacea – This is an herb that works as an immunostimulant that will boost your body’s immune system. It may also stimulate the release of Interferons, one of the body’s most potent infection-fighting weapons. In addition to its infection-fighting capabilities Echinacea helps to produce germ-eating cells, called macrophages which will help with your fight against the flu. Not all Echinacea is equal folks; liquid tinctures provide the most efficient means of absorption into the body. Jash Botanicals Ultimate Echinacea is vastly different from your typical mainstream preparations.Oil of Oregano-The isomeric phenols (primarily carvacrol) in oil of oregano can destroy Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and several other bacteria. That is a big plus when you are trying to fight the flu or a cold. Another phenol component, called thymol, boosts the immune system, which is what you want to do in order to be strong enough to be exposed and yet maintain your health. Oil of Oregano is an antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal and is a natural way to combat a virus. Make sure that you use a mountain grown source that has a high carvacrol percentage (at least 85%).Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)- This is a rich source of nutrients, in particular bioflavonoids and anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that give color to berries, fruits and veggies. The phytonutrients in elderberry positively influence cell function and protection in the human body. A very good product is one called, Sambucol and has been clinically tested and found to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by 60%.Apple Cider Vinegar- You may not know this, but apple cider vinegar goes all the way back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates discovered and treated his patients with it. This natural remedy is a powerful cleansing and healing tool and contains antiseptic and antibiotic properties that fight germs and bacteria. Make extra sure that you purchase the best, such as Bragg’s Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Here is a mixture that you can take to ward off the flu or lessen the symptoms. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 teaspoons of raw honey in 8 ounces of distilled water. Take a glass upon rising, hour before lunch and dinner.Wash your hands with a good natural soap several times each day. Bacterial and viral contamination on your hands will surely spread to your nose and your mouth and is the #1 way people get infected with a cold or flu.Avoiding crowds and traveling really helps during the flu season. Flying across the country in cramped quarters with all that recycled air is not the best thing for avoiding infection.Drink pure water. Whatever you do, do not drink untreated tap water, especially from a municipal source. Using reverse osmosis, distilling or even home ceramic filters are better than drinking tap water.
Has your health habit of taking a yearly flu shot become a victim of someone else’s profit margin -i.e. a pharmaceutical company that produces the vaccine?
Senior citizens, wanting to stay well through the winter, often are willing to stand in line to get one. Unfortunately they don’t know that it weakens immunity, and worse. For years we have been brain washed into thinking it is a yearly necessity. Who profits – you or the big corporations that produce the vaccine? Are they really concerned about your welfare rather than their “bottom line”? Do they ever mention the Alzheimer’s risk?
Here are some facts to consider as you make up your mind.
1. When supplies of vaccine are limited, priority is given to senior citizens and
health care workers and young children. Health care workers are opting less for
flu shots because they are aware of the health hazards. Less than 40% of health
care workers took flu shots in 2006.
2. Protection for the elderly can be as low as 30%. even when they take the shot.
3. The numbers of deaths from the flu in the 65+ group has been misrepresented.
Deaths from pneumonia have been included with the flu deaths. In 2005 the
CDC reported 62,804 deaths from the flu. Actually, there were 60,998 deaths
from pneumonia and 1806 from the flu.
4. The CDC reports that 90% of deaths from influenza occur among the elderly. It
is nearly impossible to credit the flu vaccine for prolonging lives in this age
group, since 65% of all deaths from all causes happens among the elderly.
BUT, the biggest cause for concern to me is what has been reported by Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD, a brilliant and renowned immunogeneticist and biologist, that if you had 5 consecutive flu shots between 1970 and 1980 (the years of his study) your chance of developing Alzheimer’s is 10 times higher than if you had had none or 1 or 2 shots. That is scary! When I learned that, I took no more flu shots. He said that what causes the cognitive dysfunction is the buildup of mercury and aluminum in the brain from the shot.
Here’s how to stay healthy without a flu shot:
1. Get plenty of sunshine and vitamin D, and take Omega 3′s.
2. Take daily a good liquid completely absorbable multivitamin/mineral supplement.
3. Avoid sugar (it is an immune system depressant).
4. Get adequate sleep and avoid getting overstressed.
5. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people.
6. Exercise regularly.
You don’t need a flu shot to stay well unless your immune system is compromised, in which case you should follow your doctor’s advice.
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Every year around this time, everyone from public officials to health journalists start talking about flu shots. It seems that flu shots are recommended for just about everyone these days, but are they truly beneficial? The Centers for Disease Control and other respected health organizations are strong proponents of flu shots, but conflicting opinions exist among researchers. I’ve looked at the evidence in order to present you with a balanced view of the issue.
What a Flu Shot Does
There are actually two forms of flu vaccinations-the traditional shot and a nasal spray. The shot contains dead flu viruses, which encourage your body to produce the antibodies to ward off live viruses that you may come in contact with. The nasal spray contains weak flu viruses, which prompts an immune response throughout your body. You will not actually get the flu, but may it be possible to pass the virus onto others. Pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are encouraged to get the flu shot, but are not eligible for the spray.
The reason yearly flu shots are required is that different strains of the flu virus become dominant each flu season. Your vaccine from last year may be ineffective against the strains of flu virus currently circulating. Scientists determine which strains are strongest for a given year and formulate the flu vaccine accordingly.
The Conventional Wisdom
The Centers for Disease Control affirms that yearly vaccinations are the best way to prevent contracting a virus. According to their data, the vaccine is effective 70 to 90 percent of the time for healthy people younger than 65. These can be less effective in older people because they tend to produce fewer antibodies in response to the vaccine.
Still, getting the flu shot is better than not getting it, according to recommendations from the Mayo Clinic. For older adults who don’t live in a nursing home (where viruses can be easily passed among residents), the vaccination is estimated to be 30 to 70 percent effective at preventing flu-related hospitalizations. What’s also very important to note is that it prevents complications from flu, such as pneumonia, which is a major hazard to older people.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people aged 6 months to 19 years, and 50 and over. It is recommended for anyone with a chronic condition or a weakened immune system. Because of the prevalence of viruses in nursing homes, residents are encouraged to get the flu vaccine. Pregnant women and health care workers are also encouraged to do so.
You should not get a flu shot if you’ve had these conditions in the past; prior allergic reaction to vaccines, an allergy to eggs; experienced Guillaim-Barre, an autoimmune syndrome, or who have a fever (It’s best to wait until a fever subsides).
Contrary Arguments
Perhaps the strongest argument against flu shots is that they may not prevent you from contracting flu. Italian researchers reviewed 71 studies on the efficacy of the vaccine and found it to be only 45 percent effective at preventing flu, hospitalizations and flu-related deaths. It is difficult to develop a highly effective vaccine year after year due to the constant adaptations of the virus. Some years’ vaccines have better success rates than others.
One argument is that getting yearly flu shots makes the immune system less able to fight a strain of the virus that may not be covered by the vaccine. However, even some skeptics agree that flu shots are valuable for staving off complications in elderly people who are stricken with the flu. Evidence also points to benefits of vaccinating children who are often the most likely to spread viruses to older people in their household.
Ultimately, the decision to get a flu shot or not is up to you. Weigh your individual health needs and do not hesitate to discuss the question with your doctor. As with so many questions in life, the answer is neither black nor white-I hope my straightforward analysis can help you navigate the grey area.
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging





