My Concerns About the Swine Flu Vaccine

The fall season is my favorite time of year. For one reason it brings cooler weather that is a relief after dealing with triple digit heat all summer in Tucson, Arizona and for another it welcomes more family activity. The one thing that is not welcome is the flu and this year especially with the latest outbreak of the H1N1 or swine flu. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the US, there are typically over 30 million cases of seasonal flu from fall to spring with 200,000 hospitalizations from flu related causes. On average, of those hospitalized there are 36,000 deaths. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. This is why the FDA and the CDC strongly suggest that seniors and small children receive the latest H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible.

I however have a different take on staying healthy and avoiding contracting the flu without taking a vaccine. It isn't because I fear the shot our have a phobia of medicine or anything, it is simply because of my own experience with receiving vaccines. From childhood shots and vaccines to military immunizations, each time the shot was given to me, I got sick as did many of my friends, family and associates. Every year like clockwork pharmacies all over the nation and the world administer the yearly flu shot from hospitals to your local Walgreens. As a child it was even given in schools as if it was a part of the curriculum. Today I refuse to receive a flu shot partly due to the fact that there are normal every day procedures that doctors recommend people to do during flu season that can protect you just as well if not better.

Your immune system is your body's first line of defense against sickness and many of us still get sick. That isn't to say that it doesn't work it simply says that whatever illness you came in contact with gained entry into your body and overwhelmed your immune system. How can we prevent that from happening when it comes to the H1N1 flu? Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, DO, PHD, a senior physician and federal medical officer in the National Disaster Medical System stated that from his personal standpoint, practicing good hygiene is still the best line of defense and that the following procedures should be practiced as often as possible:

1. Wash your hands frequently

2. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, facing the floor

3. Avoid sharing utensils and cups

4. Stay home as much as possible should and outbreak occur

This combined with eating healthy and regular exercise is how I take a stand against H1N1. The vaccine has become the forefront of conversation since President Obama declared a national emergency officially categorizing H1N1 as a pandemic, which of course should be taken seriously. However the push for everyone to rely solely on the vaccine is disturbing to me. Americans are in poor health nationwide with obesity being the #1 killer in the US. Every doctor I asked told me that the four previously mentioned procedures along with a healthy diet and exercise will certainly protect the average healthy adult. I am currently looking for more data that proves it can protect you more than the vaccine but I'm sure I will have to prove that on my own. At any rate, if we can prevent this pandemic on our own with simple procedures and promote a healthy diet and exercise why is it that the only options we hear in the media are to take the vaccine?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is spread from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases can cause death. With that said the groups who are more likely to have complications from seasonal flu are those age 65 and older and children age 2 and under. Those individuals who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or advanced HIV are also at risk of developing complications. It for these reasons the vaccine is a necessary step to prevent developments of bacterial pneumonia or worsening of individual chronic medical conditions that can lead to death. However for those who fall into the category that I am in, which is the majority of Americans, why are we pushed to take the vaccine? The H1N1 vaccine was approved by the FDC mid 2009 in response to this latest stain of flu and with cases now found in 48 states the vaccine has been the top priority and the only method of defense expressed. If you feel your only way of protecting yourself and your family is to receive this shot, the FDA and the World Health Organization assure the vaccine is safe.

The vaccines are made by four medical firms; CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. All of the firms manufacture the H1N1 vaccines using the same processes, which have a long record of producing safe seasonal influenza vaccines. However in some cases after receiving the vaccine some side effects have occurred in moderately healthy individuals with strong immune systems. Some side effects include disorders such as, Dystonia Disorder which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements, which are involuntary and sometimes painful, may affect a single muscle or a group of muscles such as in the arms, legs, neck or the entire body. Other side effects can be caused by the levels of mercury that are used to make the vaccine such as low energy, depression and weight gain.

It is not proven that these cases are wide spread and there is no data that proves the vaccine is not effective to prevent H1N1 but there is overwhelming evidence that proves a healthy diet of fruits and green vegetables coupled with exercise will boost your immune system and the practice of good hygiene as mentioned in the four steps by Dr. Ramirez can help to prevent the spread of any type of flu, H1N1 or otherwise. In conclusion, as with any pharmaceutical remedy to an illness you take a risk. If your chances of contracting a flu virus are increased due to previous illness or you have no desire to eat healthy and exercise then by all means take the shot. My feelings towards small children and pregnant women receiving the vaccine are still a bit unsure due to the fact that pregnant women can surely observe good hygiene practice as well as eat healthy and exercise. Small children are at the mercy of their parent's health practice and are a bit more vulnerable so more care is necessary. These circumstances are best to be decided on a case by case basis. As for me I believe I will stick to the everyday remedies and protections we were all taught in kindergarten and simply eat good foods and stay healthy with exercise and good hygiene.

For more facts on H1N1 and seasonal influenza viruses visit the CDC or the FDA websites. For more information on the effects of mercury in the body or on Dystonia Disorder visit the links by simply clicking on the underlined word you wish to know more about.