Vaccines for the Flu?

Lately I've been getting a lot of questions about whether or not I think the flu vaccine is a good idea. So, I am posting here an email I just sent to a friend on this topic.

But, be warned! I am not a doctor. I'm just a reasonably well educated person who reads a lot.

So follow my advice (or not) at your own risk!

"Well, I'm against the vaccine. What I've read, is that it typically doesn't stop people from getting the flu, just lessens the severity a little. With all the anecdotal evidence out there that the adjuvants in the the vaccines, like thimerosal and squalene, can cause lots of damage in some kids, I'm dubious.

I'd rather my kids get immunity the good old fashion way without the mercury additives. That's my very biased and "non medical degree" view of it. I know vaccines have done lots of good in general, but I think the "disease theory" focus of our medical system is profit motivated. Did you hear about the doctor at Penn, Dr. Paul Offit, who is on the board of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (and other organizations like that) who also holds the patent on one of the vaccines he oversees on the board? He reaped something like $30 million in royalties. How can that guy be unbiased? Here are some links to info on him:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Offit

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/25/vaccine-doctor-given-at-least-30-million-dollars-to-push-vaccines.aspx

http://www.wellnesschiropractic.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1254770291&archive=&start_from=&ucat=&

I think a better plan is good education about nutrition, supplements, etc. and taking time out from our busy, stressful lives to get some rest when we get sick (and before we get sick!). As long as we focus people's attention on the boogaboo germs and the magic bullets to treat them, then folks don't have to deal with their own habits regarding their health. Of course then people like us who seem to be doing a good job in that regard still get sick. So, I don't know in the end, what the right answer is. It would be great to never get sick, but the data I've seen is that over the last decade, in spite of the fact that flu vaccination rates are way up, the rate of infection with flu has not gone down. It's actually gone up. So, how can it be helping? In the end, I think flu shots are bogus. I've had many patients tell me they got the flu shot and then got sick any way."

And this from Failblog sums it all up:

http://failblog.org/2009/10/06/innoculation-fail/

And finally, this from About.com on why the flu shot is not always effective in the first place:

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa011604a.htm

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS

This is some really helpful information to help discern what kind of bug you might have if you get sick this fall. Keep this info handy to help you decide what the best course of treatment might be. And remember, healthy eating, exercise, hand washing, acupuncture treatment, 5,000 IU vitamin D3, vitamin C, and LOTS of fresh water are the best ways to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in the first place! If you start getting a cold, "Cold Snap" is a great way to beat it quick! I sell it in the office for $20 a bottle. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS
SYMPTOM		COLD		SEASONAL FLU		H1N1
FEVER		Fever is rare with a cold.		Fever is common with the seasonal flu.		Fever is usually present with H1N1 in up to 80% of all flue cases. A temperature of 101°
COUGHING		A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.		A dry and hacking cough is often present with the seasonal flu.		A non-productive(non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with H1N1 (sometimes referred to as dry cough).*
ACHES		Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.		Moderate body aches are common with the seasonal flu.		Severe aches and pains are common with H1N1.*
STUFFY NOSE		Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.		A runny nose is commonly present with the seasonal flu.		Stuffy nose is not commonly present with H1N1.
CHILLS		Chills are uncommon with a cold.		Chills are mild to moderate with the seasonal flu.		60% of people who have H1N1 experience chills.
TIREDNESS		Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.		Tiredness is moderate and more likely referred to as a lack of energy with the seasonal flu.		Tiredness is moderate to severe with H1N1.*
SNEEZING		Sneezing is commonly present with a cold		Sneezing is commonly present with the seasonal flu.		Sneezing is not common with H1N1.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS		Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.		Symptons tend to develop over a few days and include flushed face, loss of appetite, dizziness and/or vomiting/nausea. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.		H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. H1N1 hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, depending on the individual. Diarrhea is common.
HEADACHE		A headache is fairlyuncommon with a cold.		A headache is fairly common with the seasonal flu.		A headache is very common with H1N1 and present in 80% of cases.*
SORE THROAT		Sore throat is commonly presentwith a cold.		Sore throat is commonly present with the seasonal flu.		Sore throat is notcommonly present with H1N1.
CHEST DISCOMFORT		Chest discomfort ismild to moderate with a cold.		Chest discomfort is moderate with the seasonal flu. If it turns severe seek medical attention immediately!		Chest discomfort is often severe with H1N1.
PREVENTION TIPS:
ücough & sneeze into your elbow
üwash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 15 -20 seconds. Sing your abc's or happy birthday to you
üuse hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available
üavoid touching eyes, nose or mouth without washing or using hand sanitizer first