With the vaccine shortage plaguing the nation, public health officials are stressing that most people don't need a flu shot after all. Moreover, chances are the flu vaccine will not necessarily prevent the flu's miserable symptoms, which include:
Depending on the strain of virus and a person's age, the vaccine may be anywhere from 52 to 90 percent effective. The elderly or chronically ill will experience a higher level of effectiveness from the shot, as it is supposed to jump-start the body's weakened defenses. On the other hand, those who are younger and healthier do not need the flu vaccine in order to survive the flu season (especially during a shortage). Thus, researchers explain there is no need to fear the upcoming months.
Despite reassurances, many people have been adopting the "scarcity mentality," driving them to hound doctors, workplace nurses and supermarket clinics for a dose of the vaccine. This is due to the fact that the vaccine supply is limited, leaving people feeling unprotected or out of control.
However, just last year 4 million doses of the flu vaccine went unused, despite the alarming emergence of an influenza strain that killed several children.
Also, when the vaccine was readily available in 2002, only a small amount of those most susceptible to the flu opted for shots. This included:
Providers of the flu vaccine are rationing doses for patients who need them most. Therefore, with 61 million available doses and 42.8 million Americans who really need anti-viral protection, disease experts predict that there should be more than enough to go around. For everyone else experts offer the following recommendations: Wash your hands regularly, and if you do get sick, stay home and drink hot soup.
ABC News October 26, 2004
For years now I have been informing you that the flu vaccine is not the answer to avoiding the influenza. As you have already learned from reading the above article, the information I have been providing you is right on the mark.
In one of my recent blogs I addressed the issue of flu-related deaths. If you want the truth on how many deaths resulted from the flu, I encourage you to look at the Center for Disease Control's Web site for the REAL facts.
If you check out the more comprehensive overall death report you will find that only 753 people died of flu in 2002. This is over 93 percent less deaths than the CDC is reporting. My only guess for this huge number difference is that they most likely included the pneumonia deaths in with the flu deaths.
What you MUST understand is that people are dying from the flu because they are already sick and have compromised immune systems. The ultimate treatment for the flu is proactive prevention.
I have compiled a list of seven guidelines to help you prevent and fight the flu this winter. I suggest printing this list off and posting it somewhere in your home where you and your family will see it on a daily basis. By doing so, everyone in your family will be aware of the healthy alternatives and preventatives to the flu.
Dr. Mercola's Seven Guidelines To Preventing The Flu
The bottom line is to lead a healthy lifestyle year round. Consider reading my book, TOTAL HEALTH Program, and implementing my diet into your life. If you do, chances are you'll never have to worry about coming down with the flu again.
I also highly recommend the simple 5-step Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System, focusing on superior cleaning of the areas of the body that most dramatically affect your health -- your hands, face, ears, mouth and nose. Since germs are commonly passed through routine physical contact, keeping these areas clean is critical to preventing sickness.
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