Reflections on the Flu Shot

The flu shot is given every year to many Americans. It is a big deal. They push it in schools, they push it at the mall, they talk about it on the nightly news. Last year, they were recommending two flu shots: the regular one and the H1N1 (which I still affectionately refer to as the Swine Flu, even though you're not supposed to call it that anymore). I am ambivalent about vaccines, and always urge my patients to inform themselves about immunizations and make educated decisions. However, I am not ambivalent about the flu shot.

Each year, 5-20% of Americans get the flu. Estimates are that about 175,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, such as pneumonia (or other respiratory problems), ear and sinus infections, or problems related to chronic illnesses such as COPD, asthma, lupus, etc. Although the media reports 36,000 flu-related deaths per year, this is thought by many to be an extremely high estimate. In addition, most of the deaths presumably due to pneumonia and other serious illnesses are assumed to be in connection with the flu, even if the person was never officially diagnosed with the flu. More reasonable estimates are 257-1765 annually. A much, much lower number.

Here's an interesting fact. Ontario, Canada, is the most highly vaccinated region in North America. In 2000, Canadians expanded a publicly funded flu immunization program which included all 12 million Ontario residents, including low risk adults and children. Statistics showed that there was no significant reduction in the incidence of flu (between 2000 and 2003), and no difference in the number of cases of flu when compared to other provinces of Canada, where they didn't vaccinate as widely. There was also little difference in complication rates (hospitalizations due to pneumonia and other flu complications due to underlying chronic illness) between vaccinated and un-vaccinated groups.

In light of this study, why are we taught that the only way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated? Why, in all the talk last year about Swine Flu in the media did NO ONE talk about how to keep yourself healthy through flu season so that you aren't as vulnerable to the flu? (or so if you get the flu you will handle it better?)(chiropractic adjustments, good nutrition, exercise, vitamins and herbs, good sleep and strategies to deal with stress)

Here's another question for you: Do you know the ingredients of the flu vaccine? I do.
Although ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, flu vaccines are generally made with chicken embryos. Vaccines for flu include many of the following ingredients in different combinations. Formaldehyde, also known as embalming fluid, has been classified as a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the EPA. Octoxynol-9 is a spermicide. Triton X-100 is a detergent, emulsifier and defoaming agent. It can alter metabolic activity and negatively affect cell function. It is considered harmful if swallowed and can cause severe eye irritation. Some flu vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (antifreeze), carbolic acid (used as a disinfectant), and MSG (used as a stabilizer to keep the virus alive and stabilize the mixture). Antibiotics, such as gentamycin, are often added, as well as thimerosol (a preservative to give the vaccine a longer shelf life). Thimerosol contains mercury, which is highly toxic to the body in any amount.

I'm sure that proponents of the flu vaccine have many reasons to vaccinate. and there those who are genuinely at higher risk for the flu who should consider vaccination. But did you know that, for the majority of people, having the flu actually makes your cells stronger against the flu? Because of the way your immune system works, getting an immunization against the flu only protects you for a short time (and only for certain strains of flu), whereas actually getting the flu protects you for several years, often 5 to 10. Of course, there is more to your immune system than how well-vaccinated you are! You need to make sure your nervous system is running well; immunity is controlled by the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord! Getting regular adjustments is vital in keeping the immune system humming along. Your lifestyle is also a huge factor in how your immune system is going to work during flu season. Eat well, cut way down on sugar, fried fatty foods and heavy carbs and make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise, sleep and staying hydrated are also important. and watch that stress! Deep Breaths...ommmmm.

Vaccines are a complicated issue, and a very personal one, especially for parents. I do not judge other people's decisions and I know there are many variables to consider. The best thing one can do is be informed. Don't rely on vaccinations to make you healthy, because they don't! Take control of your own health. Get yourself into balance and then decide if you want to get that flu shot.