This Cold & Flu Season

[dontknowit]

why not just get a flu shot

True,
getting it every year cause I'm supposed to be a risk

Also a lot of mandarins, oranges, lemons and limes for some extra vitamine C.

[Princess L]

why not just get a flu shot

Here's a few reasons...


Stop Worrying About the Flu
By Dr. Joseph Mercola

Like diehard fans camping out overnight to be the first in line for concert tickets to their favorite performer, people are waiting in long lines hoping to get the flu vaccine. Yes, it's that time of year -- flu season and the media and the government have stirred the public into complete panic mode. Headlines flood newspapers reading, "Vaccine shortage leads public crisis" and on the hour radio broadcasts are bombarding the public with reports that the flu epidemic is coming and there aren't enough vaccines to fight it.

Before You Run Out to Get the Flu Shot ... Do Your Homework

It's becoming increasingly difficult to separate facts from the hype created by the media and government officials. In order to make an informed decision of whether or not to get the flu shot, it is of utmost importance to do your homework. This involves doing thorough research of the safety issues surrounding the flu vaccination and then learning the preventative measures against getting the flu in the first place.

The Target Markets for the Flu Vaccine: Elderly and Children

Generally, the flu vaccine is recommended for people ages 65 and older and to those with serious medical conditions that could quickly worsen as a result of serious complications from the flu. Reports from medical journals widely vary in the effectiveness for the elderly, ranging from 0 to 85 percent.

The CDC reports that 90 percent of deaths from influenza occur among the elderly. These kinds of statistics make it nearly impossible to credit the flu vaccine for prolonging lives in this age group, as 65 percent of all deaths (regardless of the cause) happen among the elderly.

Further, there are potential dangers to the flu vaccine, particularly to the already vulnerable elderly population. Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, one of the world's leading immunogeneticists, states the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease is 10 times higher if an individual has five consecutive shots than if they have one, two or no shots. This is likely due to the thimerosol (a mercury-derived preservative) and aluminum content of the vaccine.

Recommendations to give flu vaccinations to children were adopted on March 1, 2003. These recommendations include vaccinating children between 2 and 18 years who live in households containing children younger than 2 years of age. The most common type of flu vaccine given to children is called Fluzone, with each dose containing 25 ug of mercury. CDC recommendations include administering the flu vaccine to children beginning at six months of age and then on an annual basis, for the rest of their lives.

Does the Flu Vaccine Really Work?

The flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness.

The flu vaccine, whether in the shot or nasal form, is worthless at best and should be avoided. Not only are they loaded with toxic chemicals including mercury and aluminum, but many people come down with the flu shortly after receiving the shot. This is because it actually weakens the immune system, making the person more predisposed to the illness.

By Dr Sherri Tenpenny
www.nmaseminars.com

News reports have been flooding us with articles warning that the impending flu season may be the worst in years. Even though it is difficult to separate the facts from the hype, a close evaluation of the flu vaccine will reveal that serious questions must be raised about the recommendations that are routinely touted, namely high efficacy with little risk. Anyone considering a flu shot should become informed about the substances coming through that needle, and should be determined to investigate the safety and efficacy issues that are still unresolved.

The vaccine virus
Each year, a new vaccine is developed that contains three different viruses (one influenza B and two influenza A strains). CDC officials select the new viruses based on which viruses were prevalent during the flu season in China and Australia the previous year. The CDC admits that the viruses selected for the new vaccine are chosen on the basis of an “educated guess.”

What’s in a flu shot?
The influenza virus is grown in “specific pathogen-free” (SPF) eggs. Eggs are tested for a variety of agents—usually between 23 and 31—to confirm the absence of those specific pathogens. Laboratories limit the number of agents that are screened due to the shear abundance of potential viruses and/or bacteria to choose from. In addition, screening for every potential agent would be cost prohibitive. If none of the tested agents are detected, the vaccine is reported as “pathogen free.”

However, it should be understood that there is a distinct difference between “pathogen free” and “specific pathogen-free.” In its July 1996 report, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged that “although it is not possible to produce a completely uncontaminated animal, it is possible to produce an animal [or egg] certified to be free of specific pathogens.” Viruses that are harmless to their animal host, however, may be potentially harmful to humans.

During the manufacturing process, antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin) are added to eliminate stray bacteria found in the mixture. The final solution can contain the following additives in any combination: Triton X-100 (a detergent); polysorbate 80 (a potential carcinogen); gelatin; formaldehyde; and residual egg proteins. In addition, many of the influenza vaccines still contain thimerosal as a preservative. Thimerosal (mercury) is being investigated for its link to brain injury and autoimmune disease.

Does the flu shot protect?
There are no guarantees that the influenza viruses selected for the vaccine will be the identical strains circulating during a given flu season. In fact, it has recently been announced that this year's flu vaccine does not include the strain that is being reported by doctors in the community called the “A Fujian” strain. Outbreaks have been reported in Texas, Colorado and elsewhere[iv] that involve strains that do not match the current flu vaccine. CDC tests have confirmed that more than 80 per cent of the 55 strains of influenza virus isolated thus far are the A Fujian strain. Even so, the CDC still maintains that the current vaccine could provide cross-protection against the new variant, but the fact is, no one knows for sure.

Moreover, the majority of illnesses characterized by fever, fatigue, cough and aching muscles are not caused by the influenza virus. Non-influenza viruses (e.g., rhinoviruses respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses) can cause symptoms referred to influenza-like illnesses (ILI). Certain bacteria, such as Legionella spp., Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, have been documented as the causes of ILI.

Notably, these microbes are not part of the flu vaccine. Unless an organism’s antigen is contained within the vaccine, there is no protection conferred by the vaccine. It is estimated that most adults will average 1-3 episodes of ILI, and most children will average 3-6 episodes. The CDC also admits that “many persons who have been vaccinated against influenza can still get the flu”

A serious concern: Alzheimer’s Disesase
Hugh Fudenberg, MD, an immunogeneticist and biologist with nearly 850 papers published in peer review journals, has reported that if an individual had five consecutive flu shots between 1970 and 1980 (the years studied), his/her chances of getting Alzheimer's Disease is ten times higher than if they had zero, one, or two shots.

Dr. Boyd Haley, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky, Lexington has done extensive research in the area of mercury toxicity and the brain. Haley’s research has established a likely connection between mercury toxicity and Alzheimer’s disease.  In a paper published in collaboration with researchers at University of Calgary, Haley stated that “seven of the characteristic markers that we look for to distinguish Alzheimer's disease can be produced in normal brain tissues, or cultures of neurons, by the addition of extremely low levels of mercury.”

Does this prove that the mercury contained in the influenza shot can be directly linked to Alzheimer’s? No, absolutely not. But further research in this area is critically needed because the absence of proof is not the “proof of absence.”

Flu vaccine now for children
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adopted a resolution effective March 1, 2003 that expanded the use of the influenza vaccine to include children aged 6-23 months. The recommendations also included vaccinating those aged 2 to 18 years who live in households containing children younger than 2 years of age.[xi]

The flu vaccine most commonly given to children is Fluzone>, a trivalent vaccine grown in chicken eggs. Harvested with formaldehyde and containing the recommended ratio of 15 ug of each of the three prototype viral strains, each dose of Fluzone> also contains 25 ug of mercury.[xii] The new CDC recommendations include giving the influenza vaccine to children beginning at six months of age and then annually, for the rest of their lives. Children less than age 9 receiving their first flu shot, two doses of vaccine are recommended, with a minimum interval of one month between the two doses. However, the CDC does not provide a direct reference to substantiate this recommendation.

On June 17, 2003, the FDA approved an intranasal influenza vaccine for use in healthy persons aged 5–49 years. Flumist> is a live-virus vaccine that can cause a litany of problems. (for further information on Dangers of FluMist)

Alternatives?
If you choose not to receive the flu shot, have a discussion with your doctor regarding other options. However, some simple and possibly quite effective things you can do for yourself to prevent the flu include: 1) avoid white sugar; 2) exercise regularly; 3) get adequate sleep; 4) eat a healthy diet, omitting trans-fats; 5) drink plenty of purified water daily and 6) wash your hands. A common way people contract viral illnesses is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with a virus. The CDC states, “the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.”

We are so used to taking medications—for prevention and treatment—that it is difficult to comprehend that these modest recommendations are really the most powerful ways to minimize the likelihood of getting the flu.

Making the decision
You may decide to consult a physician who is schooled in alternative medicine to assess a variety of options for you and your family. What is most important, in the end, is to become as informed as possible regarding your options for keeping healthy and avoiding the flu.

[trulytoned]

That document is full of "can, could, might and maybe's" when reality of the fact is, its available and why not take it given the chance. It seems over the course of the winter i get sick alot, probly 10 different  times. Ill get sick, get over it then 2 weeks later sick again.  This is the first time ive received the shot and ive been fine so far.
You can list con's all you want i could list the same about of pro's that would contain the same "can, could, might and maybe's"

[Jr. Yates]

a syringe is always the way to go. <--- I know of a few people who live by that.

[dontknowit]

The flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness.

It's true that the vaccine weakens you,
but it doesn't make you ill, only if you were already weak.

If that's the case you have to wait a couple of days or longer before getting the shot,
that's being communicated on the invitation.

Personally the vaccine makes sure that I don't get stuck to bed if I'm ill. Maybe a cold or a light fever during the winter, but that's all (knock, knock). And everybody can get the shot, if you belong to the riskgroup it's insured, otherwise you have to pay 5 euro's (about 6 dollars).
A lot of money? Don't think so,
Supp or medicines costs more.

[Princess L]

That document is full of "can, could, might and maybe's" when reality of the fact is, its available and why not take it given the chance. It seems over the course of the winter i get sick alot, probly 10 different  times. Ill get sick, get over it then 2 weeks later sick again.  This is the first time ive received the shot and ive been fine so far.
You can list con's all you want i could list the same about of pro's that would contain the same "can, could, might and maybe's"

Maybe you should practice the items highlighted in red and maybe you wouldn't get sick so much.

I don't think I've been sick that much in my entire life 

[Montague]

Here's a few reasons...


Stop Worrying About the Flu
By Dr. Joseph Mercola

The flu vaccine, whether in the shot or nasal form, is worthless at best and should be avoided.
...many people come down with the flu shortly after receiving the shot. This is because it actually weakens the immune system, making the person more predisposed to the illness.
The CDC reports that 90 percent of deaths from influenza occur among the elderly.
Further, there are potential dangers to the flu vaccine, particularly to the already vulnerable elderly population.

True.
I remember my Grandmother getting flu shots while in her 70’s. She got her annual vaccinations religiously.
She usually got sick following the vacc. My Dad finally convinced her that it was the shots making her ill. So she stopped getting vaccinated for about 6 or 7 years.
SHE DIDN’T GET THE FLU ONCE during that time.

Then came the recent mass flu scare/hysteria, courtesy of our trusty, unbiased, reliable, just-the-facts MEDIA. 
Ron, we really need a smiley guy that gestures the universal sign for masturbation.

So, throwing caution (or memory) to the wind, there was Grandma in line once again to get her shot.
Fortunately, they ran out of vaccine long before Grandma ever got to the front of the line.
Several more attempts followed, but she never did get vaccinated that flu season.

Anyway, Grandma was just fine throughout the winter until she left us this past April.
She was 85.
And no, it wasn’t from the flu.
Although I sometimes wonder, had she contracted the flu in her increasingly, age induced weakened state, if her remaining time with us would have been cut even shorter.

I’m glad it wasn’t.

[Childish///AMG]

Thanx to "Uncle-Sam" I got a flu shot, took some echincea, garlic, vitamin C, and I am doing great this flu season. Also being stationed here in the Middle-East helps

[Princess L]

Thanx to "Uncle-Sam" I got a flu shot, took some echincea, garlic, vitamin C, and I am doing great this flu season. Also being stationed here in the Middle-East helps

Yah, I spoze you have a lot more important things to worry about 

Stay safe.

[The Squadfather]

i carry hand sanitizer with me in the gym around this time of year exactly for this reason, there are a lot of nasty pieces of shit in gyms these days.

[trulytoned]

Maybe you should practice the items highlighted in red and maybe you wouldn't get sick so much.

I don't think I've been sick that much in my entire life 

do i sense some hostility?

[Princess L]

do i sense some hostility?

Not at all, although, this is a Nutrition, Products & Supplements board 

[loco]

The thing with Zicam is - a pharmacist was telling me - is there seems to be a link between that (in the nose stuff) and potential permanent loss of taste and smell.  There's also been some lawsuits in the matter...

Yeah, I've been reading about the nasal spray side effects and the lawsuits for years, but it is not yet known whether this is true or just a bunch of crooks trying to make a quick buck by suing the company that makes Zicam.  The product is still on the shelves.  I've never used the nasal spray anyway.  I've been using the oral mist since 2002 and I have not experienced any side effects.  Then again, I only use it at the first sign of a cold and I rarely get colds.  So I have not used it often enough to know for sure.  What's true is that Zicam definitely works.

[loco]

Here's a few reasons...

This is why I've never had the flu shot.  I've never had the flu either.