To Get the Flu Shot or Not to Get it..
That is the question (this time of year)…
Besides cooler weather (except in Florida) and negative campaign ads (are you sick of them, too?), the fall brings the annual barrage of ads telling people to get the flu shot. Have you seen them? They’re on TV, radio, the internet, bus stops, and sandwich boards. It’s hard to go anywhere without being told to get the flu shot.
So, the question many Americans struggle with is “Should I get one?” I can’t answer that for you, but I do think you should know what those ads won’t tell you…
The Cochrane Collaboration, which reviews medical literature and reaches a consensus opinion, published a review of the flu shot for healthy adults. The study revealed some surprising information:
The influenza strains selected to go into the vaccine are educated guesses and not always accurate
On years when the vaccine is a 100% match, 33 people need to get vaccinated to prevent 1 case of flu symptoms
During average years, when the vaccine is less than a 100% match, 100 people need to get the shot to prevent 1 case of flu symptoms
Vaccination does not reduce hospitalizations or work days lost
Additionally, no medical procedure, including the flu shot, is risk-free. Common symptoms include fever, rash, swelling, and flu-like symptoms. Yes, flu-like symptoms are a side effect of the flu shot. More severe (and acknowledged) side effects include Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes progressive paralysis.
Those radio ads and sandwich boards neglect to share the ingredients of flu shots, which include things like aluminum, a known neuro-toxin. Despite being banned from thermometers, about two-thirds of flu vaccines still contain mercury in the form of the preservative thimerosal.
While they may not be completely upfront with this information, most doctors and nurses know the flu shot isn’t necessary for everyone. That’s why only 40% of healthcare workersget the annual jab. Even Dr. Oz doesn’t give the flu shot to his kids! Hospitals are now trying to make the flu shot mandatory for employees, but many employees have filed lawsuits fighting the order.
The body’s immune system is specially designed to defend the body from invading viruses. Even if an infection does occur, most people are fully capable of healing on their own!
So, what are you supposed to do? Here are a few recommendations:
Wash your hands – Seems obvious, but lather and wash frequently. Avoid hand sanitizers for other reasons.
Cut out sugar – It weakens the immune system and frankly, we eat way too much!
Let the sun in – Your body makes Vitamin D, an important immune helper. Inside all day? Take Vitamin D3 supplements.
Get adjusted – Chiropractic is an incredible boost to the immune system and has proved especially beneficial in the 1918 flu epidemic.
