THE FLU SHOT....WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
This time of year we start to hear the buzz about the flu shot. Our doctors always get the question from our patients, "Should I get the flu shot?" Well here is what you need to know that the commercials and advertisements don't tell you...
How Common Is The Flu?
Flu is less common than it may seem. Up to 90% of those who have flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, cough and aching muscles) DO NOT have the flu. Rather, they have an "influenza-like illness" or ILI that may be associated with many different microorganisms (rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, Legionella spp., Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae) but not the flu virus.1
How Effective Is The Flu Shot?
Research reveals the flu shot does not save lives among the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "many persons who have been vaccinated against influenza can still get the flu." 2
In one CDC study, the flu vaccine was 16% - 63% effective against influenza and was not at all effective against influenza-like illness (ILI).3
How Safe Is The Flu Shot?
Flu vaccines have not been evaluated for their ability to cause cancer or mutations or whether they can cause reproductive problems such as sterility. It is not known whether flu vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, or whether it can affect future reproductive ability. It is not known whether flu vaccine is excreted in human milk. Animal fertility studies have not been conducted.
According to the manufacturers the flu vaccine should not be administered to anyone with hypersensitivity to any flu shot components. Most people do not know if they are sensitive to any of the ingredients listed below before they are given the shot.
For myself and my family the risks do not out-weigh the benefits to gt a flu shot. Their are more safe alternatives to build your immune system naturally to fight the flu and other illnesses during the winter months.
If you are interested in learning what they are, attend our next power workshop: "Boost Your Immune System To Avoid The Flu!!" October 25th at 6:00 pm. Steiner Ranch Towne Square Community Center - 12550 Country Trails Lane. Space is Limited, So Don't Delay... Reserve a Seat Now For Yourself & a Guest By Calling our office at (512) 345-9355 (WELL). This workshop sold out last year!
"Watching Your Back,"
Your Health Coach,
Dr. Ross Coccimiglio
References:
1. MMWR. 2001;50(44):984-6.
2. ibid. 3. www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/36/2004_flu_cochi.pdf.
4. www.Calbiochem.com 2007. All rights reserved. Koren Publications, Inc. www.korenpublications.com 800-537-3001 P41 TIG
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