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.
The Dangers You Need to Know About FluMist
First, it is important to familiarize yourself with the side effects
of FluMist, which include cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability,
headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever. Ironically, all of these
symptoms bear striking similarities to the symptoms of the flu.
In addition, research has shown an increased risk of Bell palsy
following intranasal flu vaccination, according to the Global
Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS). The makers of
the nasal flu vaccine in the study decided not to market it the
following season due to the risk. According to GACVS, the greater
risk of Bell palsy following immunization with this vaccine may
have been due to specific vaccine components, or simply to use of
the intranasal administration route. It is therefore possible that
such complications of vaccine administration may also apply to other
nasal vaccines.
The new live-virus vaccine (FLUMIST), which is squirted up the
nose, was licensed by the FDA in June 2003 for use in healthy individuals
between the ages of five and 50. It is not recommended for pregnant
women or those with asthma, chronic lung or heart disease; chronic
underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disorders;
immune suppression or immune system problems; children or adolescents
receiving aspirin therapy, anyone allergic to eggs; or those with
a history of Guillain Barre syndrome. It should not be given simultaneously
with other vaccines.
FLUMIST's vaccine live virus is shed after vaccination so the vaccinated
are advised to avoid close contact with immune-compromised individuals
for at least 21 days. Some hospital personnel are asking those recently
vaccinated with FLUMIST to avoid visiting patients in hospitals
to prevent the risk of transmitting the vaccine strain virus to
sick patients.
6 Ways to Avoid the Flu
Now that you know what harm vaccines can do, the following are
some simple things you can do to avoid catching the flu.
-
Avoid Sugar. Since sugar
works by breaking down the functions of the immune system, it
is especially important to eliminate it from your diet in order
to keep your immune system running strong and capable of fighting
viruses such as the flu.
-
Get Enough Rest. Getting
the proper amount of sleep
will help build up your resistance against potential invaders.
When your body becomes over fatigued, it's more difficult to
fight the flu. If you are having problems with sleep please
review my Guide to Better Sleeping.
-
Have Tools To Address Stress.
Everyone deals with some type of stress
on a daily basis. Our bodies lose the ability to fight off the
flu and other illnesses when we let stress overwhelm us. As
a matter of fact, reports show that up to 90 percent of illness
and disease are stress-related. One of the two best tools I
know of are energy psychology techniques like EFT. You can get
our free manual on how to use
EFT for more information. You can also use brain wave synchronization
technology that easily allows your brain to go into a meditative
brainwave pattern with the Insight
CDs.
-
Exercise. Exercise
helps your immune system by improving circulation throughout
your body. When the components of your immune system circulate
properly, the immune system is better equipped to detect an
illness before it gets a chance to spread.
-
Eat Garlic Regularly. Eating
fresh garlic each day will help keep the flu at bay. The
antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal components of garlic
are destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic. Therefore
it is best to eat fresh garlic, as garlic pills are virtually
worthless.
-
Wash Your Hands. Good hand
washing will help decrease the likelihood of spreading viruses
to your nose, mouth or other people. If your immune system is
strong, it should be able to fight off the virus if it does
enter your body, but washing your hands provides that extra
barrier of protection.
One word of caution is avoid using antibacterial
soaps. These soaps are completely unnecessary and could
easily cause more harm than good. The antibacterial compounds
found in most of these soaps sold in the United States are likely
contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In my practice, I have found the best way to maintain the ultimate
hygiene is by using the Clenzology
Advanced Hygiene System. This hygiene kit is simple to use
and only takes a matter of minutes, which makes it ideal for
families with young children.
Most importantly, the Clenzology soap is not antibacterial
and it is capable of reaching the tens of thousands of germs
on the backs and palms of hands, on fingers and under fingernails.
What Should You do if You do Get the Flu?
If you do get the flu, one of the most important and simple things
you can do is to use hydrogen peroxide in your ears. Simple hydrogen
peroxide, about a half of a capful in each ear, several times
a day, is more than likely to abort the flu reaction. It costs less
than a penny, so you really don't have much to lose. I can guarantee
you that it is less toxic and more effective than any flu vaccine
on the planet.
Please remember the ultimate treatment for the flu is proactive
prevention. Eat the right foods, avoid the junk, get plenty of rest
and stay emotionally balanced -- all presented in detail in my new
book, TOTAL HEALTH Program
-- and you and the flu symptoms will likely never meet.
I guarantee that this, and not vaccines and pills, are the answer.
I have spent over two decades developing my dietary program, and
through my respected clinic it has proven to help tens of thousands
of people build their immunity, overcome disease (most far more
serious than the flu), optimize their weight and increase their
energy.
Related Articles:
The Flu Season Campaign
Begins
Do You Need the Flu Shot?
Risks of FluMist Vaccine
U.S. Experts Struggle with
Next Year's Flu Vaccine
Flu Vaccine Officially
Recommended for Infants
Government Now Admits
Flu Vaccine Did Not Work
