The cold winter months and rapidly approaching flu season have sent many Americans into the state of panic. Perhaps it has something to do with this overstated statistic: 36,000 die annually from influenza. However, despite these overwhelming numbers, researchers have discovered that the flu is not the lone cause behind these deaths.

So why the flubbed stats? Part of the problem lies in the fact that the flu is not a direct killer, but a fatal contributor to a group of factors leading to one's death.

Another reason for these skewed figures is that the system for obtaining this death toll number is complex, imprecise and anonymous. In fact, in 2002, city health officials estimated there was roughly 2,500 deaths in New York caused by the flu virus. The actual number of deaths caused by the flu was two. Further, according to city health records, not a single death certificate from 2001 listed the flu as the culprit.

"Flawed Findings"

Here's where the numbers come from: The health department and the CDC start by looking at the average number of pneumonia deaths during a given period of time. If the flu is present at that time, the marked increases in the number of pneumonia deaths are noted. All deaths that exceed the initial average number of pneumonia deaths are classified under the flu.

The annual influenza-caused deaths are a "best guess," according to an epidemiologist with the New York City Health Department. There are many factors that can complicate the severity of the flu.

With the virus changing every year, it is likely the flu will find victims who cannot fight it. This year the virus is said to target children under 2, adults 65 and older and those with chronic health problems such as asthma. These groups are most at risk because one of two problems may occur:

• The flu can get into the lungs
• It may cause secondary infections

Due to the shortage of doses, many doctors may begin prescribing anti-viral medications. One doctor explains that he prescribes such medications regardless if his patients have received a flu shot or not. His belief is that there are several anti-viral drugs that can be effective in saving lives. To determine if one is suffering from the flu, this doctor saves his patients up to $5,000 (the cost to administer tests) by relying on good old-fashioned observation. The symptoms are proof enough:

• Very high fever (102.8 degrees or more)
• Too sore to move

New York Times November 3, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

These flawed numbers are a perfect example of why we shouldn't believe EVERYTHING we hear. Just because health officials send out warnings of the impending flu season and a possible flu outbreak doesn't mean you should run out and get a flu shot. Take a look for yourself at the number of deaths attributed to the flu. If you go to the the CDC's main flu page you will find the 36,000 deaths number and a link to the actual flu table that has the death statistics. But if you go to the more comprehensive overall death report you will find that only 753 people in the United States died of flu in 2002, which is an example of how many less deaths there are, than what is actually being reported by the CDC. What you MUST understand here is that people dying from the flu are those who are already sick and have compromised immune systems. Thus, the real problem: Most people have weakened and impaired immune systems that are unable to function as they're designed to because of horrendous dietary habits (the same culprit behind the obesity epidemic in this country). That is why the ultimate treatment for the flu is proactive prevention. There are several effective alternatives to the flu vaccine that will actually keep you healthy in addition to preventing the flu. Some of these alternatives include: Exercise regularly Get enough sleep Address stressors If you practice these alternatives, which are also covered in detail in my book, TOTAL HEALTH Program, you and the flu symptoms will most likely never meet. I guarantee that this -- and not vaccines and pills -- is 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. Another key tactic to preventing the flu is through the simple 5-step Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System, focusing on superior cleaning of the areas of your body that are most susceptible to the flu -- your hands, face, ears, nose and mouth. And now you can get a month's supply of the Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System for 30 percent off its retail price! Related Articles: Flu Crimes at the CDC Flu Vaccine Now Officially Documented as Failure U.S. Experts Struggle with Next Year's Flu Vaccine Stop Worrying About the Flu -- Your Six Best Options Revealed Flu Deaths Outrageously Exaggerated to Increase Vaccine Sales Exercise Alternative to Flu Vaccine