Flu Info and Flu Vaccine Dangers

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Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Flu Info and Flu Vaccine Dangers

From the ICPA4kids.com website


The Flu and the Flu Vaccine


Barbara Loe-Fischer
Sept-Oct 2003

What is the flu?

Influenza is a respiratory infection that produces fever, chills, sore
throat, muscle aches, and cough that lasts a week or more. The flu can be
deadly for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or who are
suffering from diabetes, kidney dysfunction and heart disease. Each year
about 20,000 Americans, mostly in these high risk groups, reportedly die
from flu complications such as pneumonia.

What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is prepared from the fluids of chick embryos inoculated with
a specific type(s) of influenza virus. The strains of flu virus in the
vaccine are inactivated with formaldehyde and preserved with Thimerosal,
which is a mercury derivative. Every year, federal health agency officials
try to guess which three flu strains are most likely to be prevalent in the
U.S. the following year to determine which strains will be included in next
year's flu vaccine. If they guess right, the vaccine is thought to be 70 to
80 percent effective in temporarily preventing the flu of the season in
healthy persons less than 65 years old. For those over 65 years old, the
efficacy rate drops to 30 to 40% but the vaccine is thought to be 50 to 60%
effective in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia and 80% effective in
preventing death from the flu.

However, sometimes health officials do not correctly predict which flu
strains will be most prevalent and the vaccine's effectiveness is much lower
for that year.

Does the flu vaccine protect against all throat, respiratory,
gastrointestinal and ear infections?

The flu vaccine only protects against the three specific viral strains which
are included in any given year's flu vaccine. Throat, respiratory,
gastrointestinal and ear infections caused by bacteria or other kinds of
viruses are not prevented by getting an annual flu shot. Vaccination against
the flu does not protect against SARS or the complications of SARS. The
World Health Organization is urging a worldwide flu vaccination campaign in
the belief that high vaccination coverage can decrease the possibility of
misdiagnosing flu as SARS and help in the early identification of a SARS
outbreak. The CDC however is not recommending the flu vaccine for this
purpose since the flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective and the suggested
benefits in regards to SARS cannot be reliable.

Why do doctors say I have to get a flu vaccine every year?

Like all vaccines, the flu vaccine only gives a temporary immunity to the
virus strains or closely related virus strains contained in the vaccine. The
only way to get natural and permanent immunity to a strain of flu is to
recover naturally from the flu. Natural immunity to a particular strain of
flu can be protective if that strain or closely related strains come around
again in the future.

However, because the vaccine only provides a 70 to 80% chance of temporary
immunity to selected strains and those strains may or may not be prevalent
each year, doctors say you have to get a flu shot every year.

Are there reactions to the flu vaccine?

The most common reactions, which within 12 hours of vaccination and can last
several days a fever, fatigue, painful joints and headache. The most
serious reaction that has been associated with flu vaccine is Guillain-Barre
Syndrome (GBS) which occurs most often within two to four weeks of
vaccination. GBS is an immune mediated nerve disorder characterized by
muscle weakness, unsteady gait, numbness, tingling, pain and sometimes
paralysis of one or more limbs or the face. Recovery takes several months
and can include residual disability. Less than 5 percent of GBS cases end in
death.

What are contraindication to the flu vaccine?

Among high risk factors listed by the CDCdeath.and the vaccine manufacturers
are anyone who:
(1) is sick with a fever;
(2) has an impaired immune system;
(3) has an egg allergy;
(4) has a mercury allergy;
(5) has a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

In years past, pregnancy was also a contraindication to flu vaccine but,
today, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for women more than
14 weeks pregnant.

Pregnant women should be aware that the flu vaccine contains Thimerosal,
which is a mercury derivative. Mercury is toxic to the brain and has been
found to be associated with brain damage and developmental delays in babies
whose mothers were exposed to high levels of mercury during pregnancy.

In 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) directed the vaccine manufacturers to take mercury out
of all childhood vaccines. In October 2001, the Institute of Medicine issued
a report that said it is "biologically plausible" that mercury-containing
vaccines could cause injury to the brain but there have been too few
scientific studies conducted to prove conclusively that mercury in vaccines
has caused brain damage."

Nevertheless, the Institute of Medicine recommended that drug companies take
all mercury out of all vaccines and over-the-counter drugs.

`In compliance with this recommendation a preservative-free vaccine
formulated for children ages 6 to 35 months, with only a trace amount of
Thimerosal, is available in a limited amount. It is distinguished by a pink
syringe plunger rod in the pre-filled syringe. Adult formulations still
contain Thimerosal. The package inserts published by the flu vaccine
manufacturers state that "Animal reproduction studies have not been
conducted with influenza virus vaccine. It is also not known whether
influenza virus vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant
woman.

Although animal reproductive studies have not been conducted, the
prescribing health care provider should be aware of the recommendations of
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The ACIP states that used
during pregnancy, administration of influenza virus vaccine after 14 weeks
of gestation may be preferable to avoid coincidental association of the
vaccine with early pregnancy loss."

Is Flu Vaccine Recommended for Children?

One consideration with the mass use
of flu vaccine in healthy children is the removal of natural antibodies to
flu which are obtained from natural infection. The question of whether it is
better for healthy children, who rarely suffer complications from flu, to
get the flu and develop permanent immunity to that flu strain or it is
better for children to get vaccinated every year to try to suppress all flu
infection in early childhood is a question that has yet to be adequately
answered by medical science.

Although in the past the flu vaccine has not been recommended for healthy
children, today vaccination of children older than 6 months of age is
strongly recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) of the CDC.

What About The New Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine?

A live-virus nasal flu vaccine, FluMist, was approved for use in June
2003.Its approved use is limited to healthy people between the ages of 5 and
49. This excludes its use in those considered at greatest risk from the
disease - the very young and the elderly.

Who should not receive the FluMist vaccine?

(1) pregnant women
(2) people with asthma
(3) people with chronic lung or heart disease
(4) people with chronic underlying medical conditions such as diabetes
orkidney disorders
(5) anyone allergic to any part of the vaccine including eggs
(6) children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy
(7) those with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
(8) people with known or suspected immune system problems or who are
immune-suppressed due to treatment with steroids, chemotherapy, radiation or
other immuno- suppressive therapies or their close contacts
(9) children younger than 5 and adults over 50

Due to the possibility of spreading the virus, individuals receiving the
vaccine are advised to avoid close contact with immune-compromised
individuals for at least 21 days.

Is it safe to give with other vaccines?

No studies have shown the safety of giving FluMist along with other
vaccines; therefore it should NOT be given along with any other vaccine. The
product manufacturer's insert advises waiting at least two weeks after
receiving a killed vaccine and at least one month after receiving a
live-virus vaccine (MMR, Chicken pox).

How is the new vaccine administered?

Unlike the standard flu vaccine given by injection, which contains a dead
virus, the vaccine is squirted up the nose and contains a diluted, live
virus that could endanger people with weak immune systems. The live vaccine
virus has been shown to shed for up to 3 weeks after receiving the vaccine.

What are the reactions to the vaccine?

Reported adverse effects to FluMist in children include runny nose, nasal
congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, irritability, decreased activity,
fever, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting.

In adults the most common side effects were runny nose, cough, sore throat,
headache, muscle aches, fever, chills and tiredness or weakness.

Other adverse events that occurred in children were abdominal pain, asthma,
bronchitis, conjunctivitis, viral syndrome, otitis media (middle ear
infection), and wheezing or shortness of breath.

How is the vaccine made?

FluMist is prepared by introducing influenza viruses into eggs where they
are allowed to multiply. Fluid from the eggs is processed and sucrose,
potassium phosphate and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are added as stabilizers.
The antibiotic Gentamicin is also added during the manufacturing process.
FluMist does not contain any preservatives.

What should I do?

Become educated about the flu and its benefits and risks and the vaccine and
its benefits and risks and make an informed decision after consulting
multiple sources of information and discussing your questions with one or
more health professionals.


Barbara Loe-Fischer offers us a comprehensive, well documented article about
the Flu and the Vaccine. Barbara along with NVIC co-director Kathi Williams
have dedicated their lives to the informing parents of their right to choose
health care for their children.
If you are not yet a member of the National Vaccine Information Center,
please visit their extensive resource site at: www.909shot.com and join them
in their mission
Article References:
1. MMWR Recommendations and Reports "Prevention and Control of Influenza:
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)"
April 25, 2003
2. Fluzone 2003-2004 Formula, Aventis Product information as of July 2003
3. Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal Flumist 2003-2004 Formula,
Package Insert (Circular) June 16, 2003

"Jan Drew" wrote in message
t...

http://charlotteschiro.blogspot.com/...e-dangers.html

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Flu Info and Flu Vaccine Dangers

From the ICPA4kids.com website


The Flu and the Flu Vaccine


Barbara Loe-Fischer
Sept-Oct 2003

Wow! They're republishing the same article over 3 year later. However, the
vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective.

Almost every year, the vaccine has been shown to be a good match against the
flu viruses that have been out in the community.

Jeff

Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of the
world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff and the
true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their lemming
run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

David wrote:
Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of the
world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff and the
true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their lemming
run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

I think Jeff (and 'the true believers') are more concerned with the lies
spread by certain people about vaccines then they are about whether
anyone gets their flu shot or not. You see, there is this thing called
'informed choice', where a person gets the correct information
concerning any medical treatment (such as vaccination) and then make
their choice. The anti-vaccination liars (isn't that any oxymoron btw?)
don't want people to make an informed choice, they want to get rid of
vaccines and if lying helps, they will do so. In fact, the
anti-vaccination liars do so much lying, I think they would do it
anyway. It seems to be their very nature.

I am anti-vac. I am NOT a liar. I might know a bit about vacs, but you would
not be aware of that. If the "vacoides" ( hope you like the word )would
simply post their info, without the mandatory sales pitch, I would not
complain. I am not anti medicine.
"JohnDoe" nospam@forme wrote in message
...
David wrote:
Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of
the world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff
and the true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their
lemming run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

I think Jeff (and 'the true believers') are more concerned with the lies
spread by certain people about vaccines then they are about whether anyone
gets their flu shot or not. You see, there is this thing called 'informed
choice', where a person gets the correct information concerning any
medical treatment (such as vaccination) and then make their choice. The
anti-vaccination liars (isn't that any oxymoron btw?) don't want people to
make an informed choice, they want to get rid of vaccines and if lying
helps, they will do so. In fact, the anti-vaccination liars do so much
lying, I think they would do it anyway. It seems to be their very nature.

David wrote:
I am anti-vac. I am NOT a liar.

You're either a liar or very, very ill informed (and made a choice to
remain uninformed) if you are anti-vac. But at least you are honest
about that.

I might know a bit about vacs, but you would not be aware of that.

Oh, I'm pretty sure you know a bit. But I'm sure that 'bit' does not
include reality about vaccines.

If the "vacoides" ( hope you like the word )

I do like the word. Sounds very Dr.Who-ish.

would simply post their info, without the mandatory sales pitch, I would not
complain.

What salespitch?

I am not anti medicine.

Of course not......

"JohnDoe" nospam@forme wrote in message
...

David wrote:

Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of
the world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff
and the true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their
lemming run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

I think Jeff (and 'the true believers') are more concerned with the lies
spread by certain people about vaccines then they are about whether anyone
gets their flu shot or not. You see, there is this thing called 'informed
choice', where a person gets the correct information concerning any
medical treatment (such as vaccination) and then make their choice. The
anti-vaccination liars (isn't that any oxymoron btw?) don't want people to
make an informed choice, they want to get rid of vaccines and if lying
helps, they will do so. In fact, the anti-vaccination liars do so much
lying, I think they would do it anyway. It seems to be their very nature.

David wrote:
Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of the
world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff and the
true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their lemming
run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

Another anti-vac idiot who does not like hearing the other side speak.
Too bad.

I wish David would just follow his ideas and not get any shots, and
allow Darwin to run its course.

David wrote:
I am anti-vac. I am NOT a liar.

The only way an intelligent person can be anti-vac is to be a liar.

Therefore you are either not intelligent, or are a liar. No third choice.


I might know a bit about vacs, but you would
not be aware of that. If the "vacoides" ( hope you like the word )would
simply post their info, without the mandatory sales pitch, I would not
complain. I am not anti medicine.
"JohnDoe" nospam@forme wrote in message
...
David wrote:
Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of
the world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff
and the true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their
lemming run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.
I think Jeff (and 'the true believers') are more concerned with the lies
spread by certain people about vaccines then they are about whether anyone
gets their flu shot or not. You see, there is this thing called 'informed
choice', where a person gets the correct information concerning any
medical treatment (such as vaccination) and then make their choice. The
anti-vaccination liars (isn't that any oxymoron btw?) don't want people to
make an informed choice, they want to get rid of vaccines and if lying
helps, they will do so. In fact, the anti-vaccination liars do so much
lying, I think they would do it anyway. It seems to be their very nature.

It is obvious that you are drinking the kool aid. Be sure to run out and get
every vaccination you can. I bet you have a grand time getting ID in the
name "John Doe". Or, you are dishonest about that. Soooooo, who's the liar?

"David" wrote in message
...
Wish people like Jeff would just get his flu shot, and leave the rest of
the world to doso or not based on their own decisions. But noooooo, Jeff
and the true believers are compeled to try to get everyone to join their
lemming run. Take your drugs and thee get behind me . You know the rest.

Wrong. I want people to know the facts. However, I don't think the OP stated
the facts accurately in the material presented. If people choose, based on
the facts, not to get the vaccine, that is fine with me.

I expressed my view. You may do with it what you want.

Jeff