Volume 4 Issue 3
Fall 2009 The Flu Season & Swine Flu Vaccination
The flu season is rapidly approaching and the Food and Drug Administration, American Medical Association and other medical organizations are promoting a two-dose swine flu vaccination to prevent a pandemic outbreak of swine flu. The manufacturers are planning to make 120 million doses of the swine flu. The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have recommended vaccinating all children over 4, children’s caregivers, healthcare workers, adults aged 25-64 with chronic illnesses that increase risk of severe flu and all healthy people if vaccine is still available. The trials of the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine just started in early August. In addition, a regular flu vaccination for seasonal influenza A and B is also recommended for the usual recipients.
The rush to vaccinate over 100 million Americans with an untested swine flu vaccine has the potential to recreate the 1976 debacle. The 1976 vaccine killed more people than the actual illness caused by the swine flu. Many people suffered a devastating neurological illness, Guillain-Barre, which causes paralysis. Another serious cause for concern is that a new adjuvant is being used in the current vaccine. Adjuvants are added to create an increased immune response to the vaccine. The new additive, squalene, is an oil. It has not been studied to show safety and is not FDA approved. Squalene was used in the anthrax vaccine given to American troops of the first Gulf War. Considerable evidence links squalene adjuvant to the large number of Gulf War veterans who became chronically ill with Gulf War syndrome.
The government has also stated that thimerosal, the mercury containing preservative, will be in all the swine flu vaccines. Despite government assurances of thimerosal safety, considerable evidence points to the conclusion that mercury is unsafe at any level.
I do not recommend being vaccinated with the swine flu vaccination. The potential risks far outweigh any benefits. There are a number of measures individuals can take to boost immunity and prevent or minimize influenza illness.
Eating a diet of organic, primarily plant-based foods will keep your body’s immune system healthy. Since adequate Vitamin D levels are so important to healthy immune systems, I recommend supplementation if your blood levels are below 30 nanogram/ml. Have your physician order a Vitamin D – 25,OH level and supplement sufficient to reach levels over 40. For more information on Vitamin D, visit www.vitamindcouncil.org.
Supplementation with Vitamins A and C will boost immunity. I recommend Standard Process’ Cataplex ACP for my patients (available only through health practitioners). Nano-silver liquids kill viruses and I recommend ACS to my patients (available through health practitioners). I recommend and use Immuplex, a nutritional product that boosts natural immunity. Of course, adequate sleep, regular exercise and stress reduction are all important parts of maintaining a healthy immune system.
Medicinal mushrooms, such as cordyceps, shiitake, and reishi have been extensively researched and used in Asia for years. They are used to kill viruses and boost immunity. Various herbs have antiviral properties, including Echinacea, Goldenseal and oregano oil. Consult an experienced herbalist or natural health practitioner for help choosing a product.
I encourage you to not let your physician or workplace bully you into getting the swine flu vaccine. Freedom of health care choice is one of our fundamental freedoms in America. If you desire more information about the swine flu vaccine, visit the following websites.
Daniel Blodgett MD