[Pepper]

It's that time of year again, the "flu season." Not only do we have winter, spring, summer and fall, but somehow, some marketing genius has come up with a fifth season. I've never really understood the flu shot, and I know I'm not alone because even the scientific world can't seem to agree on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine, yet the public seems to be in a state of paranoia this year because we have a shortage of the flu vaccine.
Did I miss an epidemic? Has anyone done their homework on the flu vaccine before they rush out and stand in long lines? You would think there getting tickets for a rock concert.
Due to the ineffective nature of the vaccine last year and the numerous strains that are not even in the vaccine, I doubt it. Remember, they only put into the vaccine three chosen strains of the influenza virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between Oct. 1, 2003 and April 9, 2004, health officials identified 863 different influenza viruses. Even if one assumes that the flu vaccines "work" for the three chosen strains, what about the other 860 viruses in circulation? That's protection?
If you're unaware of what's in the flu shot these are the following toxic chemicals that are in the vaccine: ethylene glycol (antifreeze), triton X-100 (a detergent); polysorbate 80 (a potential carcinogen); gelatin; phenol/carbolic acid (disinfectant and dye), formaldehyde (cancer-causing agent), aluminum and mercury (associated with Alzheimer's disease, cancer, brain injury and autoimmune disease), plus other chemicals and animal products in addition to three strains of virus. If you're going to take something at least know what's in it.
An article in the Jan. 16, 2004 USA Today, "Flu shots had little effect," is one of many that cast doubt on the effectiveness of the vaccine.
"This season's flu vaccine did little or nothing to prevent such flu symptoms as fever, cough or sore throat says the first preliminary study of the vaccine's effectiveness.
"Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say a survey of healthcare workers at The Children's Hospital of Denver revealed the flu vaccine had "no" or "low effectiveness" against flu-like illnesses, which can be caused by a host of viruses."
From the information that I have seen over the years, I believe that the flu shot does not prevent the flu but does the opposite and weakens the immune system making the person more predisposed to the illness. So instead of trying to inject your body with toxic chemicals, and strains of viruses, why not try to take measures that will increase your body's own immune system?
The following are ways to help you build your body's immune system:
Avoid sugar. Sugar breaks down the immune system.
Get enough rest. The proper amount of sleep helps you build your resistance.
Have tools to address stress. Enough research is out there about how stress and tension weakens the immune system.
Exercise. Exercise helps your immune system by improving your circulation.
Eat garlic; take Vitamin C. Both help strengthen your immune system.
Wash your hands. It's the advice from mother's all over the world. But please don't use anti-bacterial soap. I've read enough articles from microbiologists (scientist who study bacteria etc.) that these types of soaps contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
There's tons of information out there about the flu shot. Whether you want the shot or not is your decision. But please make an informed choice. Don't let the pharmaceutical companies and the media hype this flu shortage like it's a public crisis.
Dr Jeffrey Falcon is a New Bedford physician.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/12-04/12-15-04/a19op072.htm

[CanadaSue]

Making an informed choice is extremely important - with flu or any other vax. Many, looking at their PERSONAL risk to benefit ration, decide flu shots aren't for them. Fair enough. In the US yearly, it's considered a good uptake if 25% of people get flu vax. Even high risk group folks often don't flu vax. NOT getting a flu vax doesn't mean you WILL get the flu. Sometimes, the way pieces urging folks to get shots are written, you can't help but be left with that impression - that those touting the vax are saying no vax = flu.

I know people who've never had a flu shot in their lives & have never had the flu. Some have annual shots & never get flu. Some have never had a flu shot until they had a bout with flu & decided they'd rather get the shot - everybody feels differently & for different reasons. In a heavy flu year, sometimes 25% of peole end up with a bout of flu. HOWEVER, that's only estimated. Flu is not reportable & many people call any bad cold or other respiratory virus 'the flu'. It's like may calling a refrigerator a 'fridge'. That began when Frigidaire made most fridges. In Canada we often call tissues Kleenex - the company name. 'Flu' is simply a term a lot of people have gotten into the habit of using.

Marketing flu shots - yeah that happens. Now flu season isn't a made up concept. That's legit. Tens of thousands DO suffer badly, even die from flu annually & no matter what you want to think of WHO, CDC & other medical organizations, they're primarily PEOPLE who themselves get ill, have families who get ill & many have worked some pretty horrid outbreaks of nasty stuff. We 'push' flu shots here too & as at least half of shots are offered free for certain risk groups & to all in my province - profit isn't the motivating factor. What is HERE, (socialized medicine), is the annual toll flu takes indirectly. Elective procedures delayed for months, outbreaks mucking up hospitals - it can become messy. As flu shot uptake uncreases here, it APPEARS such edlays & added costs are decreasing. I am looking for data to confirm that because I don't KNOW that's indeed happening.

As to the effectiveness of the flu vaccine - I had to re-read that section. Against the 3 strains annually chosen for inclusion - effectiveness rates range from 60 to over 90% - depends on age & other personal health factors. That's been shown by a number of studies. I'll find & post some references later. As to last year - no the shot did NOT cover against the overwhelmingly predominent strain - A/Fujian. That wasn't covered in the vax. Flu shots most assuredly do NOT provide coverage against any other kind of upper respiratory infection & it's never been claimed it does - so that argument is a non-starter. I'm surprised to hear references to that from hospitals - wish I had the context.

Yes every year, some hundreds of strains infecting people are lab identified. Most affect only a few people - trying to include them in a shot would make no sense. The shot is formulated to try & protect against the 3 predicted worst strains in the upcoming season. Some years, they get it wrong, most years, they're close or bang on target with all 3 strains. The majority of lab confirmed samples this year are showing to be the strains included in the shot. They didn't get it wrong this year. Now where it's handy to know what strains are out there - in any amount - is when new strains of known nasty types & subtypes are spotted. This year, a drift variant of A/Fujian - A/Wellington, has been spotted in Europe. The Fujian component doesn't cover it - significant drift already & even Wellington has a drift varient of its own - only 1 of those seen & again, it's NOT nasty. But it's interesting that H3N2 has, within 2 years, drifted off that quickly. When that happens, you really want to watch that strain line for something nastier down the road.

As to the non-vax components that's a snitch deceptive. I'm not arguing these chemicals aren't bad for you. Be cautious though - not all of those are in every vax formulation - some are alternatives to others listed. In some cases, the amounts are tiny - when do they become harmful? I'll look up a few formulations, the chemcals & amounts. If you're concerned about these - do the same. It's your body & knowledge of these may matter.

I don't know if flu vax weakens a person & predisposes them to more flu. Straight up - I simply don't know & wonder if that's based on any studies that might indicate that. See what I can find.

As to the other advice about health - absolutely! We should do these things anyway. And no, there is NO flu crisis. In fact uptsake of VAX has dropped off to the point where it's not moving in some areas. I'd speculated when the news of the Chiron problem came out that even with that, there would probably be vax to spare this season. That's what appears to be happening already. Mind you, if season picks up dramatically, that may change.

Read the info before you decide & remember - only you can make the best decision for you. Don't lt anyone sway you against your own inclinations, either way.