Does the Flu Vaccine Really Protect the Elderly?

December 23, 2006

Does the Flu Vaccine Really Protect the Elderly? http://www.mercola.com/2005/mar/5/flu_vaccine.htm Now even the conventional media is echoing my earlier warnings on the flu vaccine. The nation's flu prevention strategy set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been called into serious question.

According to this report, flu shots may prevent far fewer deaths in the elderly than previously thought. The report highlights that although immunization rates in the elderly (people over 65) have increased 50 percent in the past 20 years, there has not be a consequent decline in flu-related deaths.

CDC's Rebuttal

In regards to these claims, a CDC flu expert criticized the researchers' methods, arguing the conclusion drawn from the study is wrong. He went on to explain that there has been a 50 percent relative reduction in influenza deaths, and that although the vaccine could be improved to provide greater protection, it remains the most effective intervention for reducing influenza-related deaths. To further criticize the study, the CDC member pointed a finger stating the researchers:

Failed to compare vaccinated seniors with unvaccinated seniors

Did not account for the overall health status of seniors

Miscalculated the length of time flu viruses circulate

In defense, researchers stated the findings are based on national flu statistics and that the estimates of deaths prevented by flu vaccination must have been overestimated in the past.

Additionally, though older people have weaker immune systems, the flu vaccine is only 40 percent effective in preventing illness in the elderly, compared to 90 percent effective in younger people. In fact, one researcher believes simply vaccinating at least 70 percent of school-aged children, along with high-risk individuals, could reduce flu transmission to the whole community.

Archives of Internal Medicine February 14, 2005;165(3):265-272

Science Daily February 23, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

I have long believed that vaccines can do far more harm to your health than good. This is largely related to the "toxic cocktail" of ingredients many of them include:

Aluminum hydroxide

Animal tissues

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Henoxyethanol (antifreeze)

Sorbitol

Sucrose

Thimerosal, a toxic preservative that contains mercury (probably the worst of them all)

Therefore, when you consider vaccinating yourself or your family, I suggest you seriously evaluate the risks and side effects of the flu vaccine. Do you really want all those toxins injected into you and your family's bodies?

Flu Vaccine's Paradoxical Effects

For most people, the flu shot does not prevent illness, but actually does the polar opposite--it weakens your immune system and makes you more predisposed to the illness.

In light of the flu-related death toll, many people have been fooled into believing the only way to prevent death from the flu is to get a dose of the vaccine. However, the significant number of deaths associated with the flu is outrageously exaggerated!

As a surprising confirmation of this, one critic determined to expose the CDC and vaccine manufacturers for falsely instilling fear into people has found the truth behind the "statistics." According to the CDC's most recent death statistics located on their Web site, influenza and pneumonia killed 62,034 people in 2001. That means, in light of the current statistic, that just over half of those deaths resulted from the flu. However, upon further investigation, the actual number of deaths caused by the flu came to 257, with pneumonia accounting for the remaining number of deaths.

What is helpful to understand is that the people who are really dying from the flu do so because they are already sick and have compromised immune systems.

So How Can You Strengthen Your Immune System And Prevent The Flu?

A key factor to preventing the flu is to start focusing on eating properly. That means avoiding:

Fast foods

Sugars

Grains

Trans-fats

Additionally you can increase the healthy and essential fats like the omega-3 fats found in fish and cod liver oil: Those of you who read the newsletter regularly know I'm a fan of the Carlson's brand of fish oil and cod liver oil, as I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it. Plus, Carlson's fish and cod liver oil is one of the few brands that put the extra vitamin E in it for you straight from the get-go, so you don't have to take extra vitamin E if you don't want to.

You can find Carlson's fish or cod liver oil at your local health food store, or, for your convenience, on my Recommended Products page section.

Also, be sure to increase the good carbohydrates like those in vegetables, and the healthy proteins like those in clean, naturally raised meats (i.e., NOT the kind you typically find in grocery stores). That means learn your metabolic type as soon as possible so you know what proportion of fats, carbs and proteins are ideal to build your immune system.

Additionally, if you are to successfully prevent the flu, it is also important to:

Exercise regularly,

Get enough sleep,

Address stressors,

Wash your hands regularly.