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Elderberry may help with symptoms. We will see few studies on it because it can be marketed without doing studies. Why would a manufacturer spend the money if it does not have to? One study of 60 people is hardly conclusive.
"If you do try elderberry, inform your doctor and don't skip a flu shot, the only proven way to prevent influenza, Dr. Weber says." Weber is a naturopath, by the way.
I am not sure what your point is with posting that article, but it makes a great case for vaccinating against influenza.
My point is that the medical community has greatly contributed to the death toll in healthy children after years of overprescribing anti-biotics creating antibiotic resistant staph infections. Sometimes interfering in the natural process leads to unintended negative side effects. Could our interference in trying to eradicate certain strains of the flu lead to more serious mutations and more serious strains? It's possible.
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Herd immunity for influenza has to be achieved on a season by season basis, but it is still herd immunity and can be established for a given season if enough people take the vaccine. Sorry you are having such a problem understanding that concept.
So you agree that any potential immunity is temporary. That is what you were arguing with me about after all. My understanding is just fine. Thanks for your concern.
I'm 48; born overseas in a military family & came to the US in 1971.
NO flu vaccine. Parents? NO flu vaccine. Sister? NO flu vaccine.
My immunization status was actually followed very closely prior to coming to the US as I didn't respond to the Measels immunization.
I had to be vaccinated 3 TIMES before my titer was acceptable for entry into the US so I'm pretty sure I didn't just "fall through the cracks"; they were watching me pretty close.
If the US was slinging flu shots around during the early 70's, for military or for citizens abroad you would think I would be seeing it on my documents. But I'm not.
My point is that the medical community has greatly contributed to the death toll in healthy children after years of overprescribing anti-biotics creating antibiotic resistant staph infections. Sometimes interfering in the natural process leads to unintended negative side effects. Could our interference in trying to eradicate certain strains of the flu lead to more serious mutations and more serious strains? It's possible.
So you agree that any potential immunity is temporary. That is what you were arguing with me about after all. My understanding is just fine. Thanks for your concern.
What's your evidence for the bold? It is possible to die of the 'natural process'. Frankly, I've seen very little evidence of over-prescription of ABs in pediatrics or in the family practice docs my husband and I use.
No one is trying to eradicate any strains of flu. As I said, it's probably not possible. There's no scientific evidence that there are more "serious" mutations and strains.
I'm 48; born overseas in a military family & came to the US in 1971.
NO flu vaccine. Parents? NO flu vaccine. Sister? NO flu vaccine.
My immunization status was actually followed very closely prior to coming to the US as I didn't respond to the Measels immunization.
I had to be vaccinated 3 TIMES before my titer was acceptable for entry into the US so I'm pretty sure I didn't just "fall through the cracks"; they were watching me pretty close.
If the US was slinging flu shots around during the early 70's, for military or for citizens abroad you would think I would be seeing it on my documents. But I'm not.
Isn't it generally just for the military personnel? Not exactly rock solid evidence there. My experience as a flu shot provider goes back to the mid-70s.
ETA: It's hard to find historical data on the internet, but I did find an article that states that flu shots for the elderly and people with certain health conditions were first recommended in 1960. http://www.npr.org/2011/10/28/141800...-effectiveness
Note: this article gives a lot of pros and cons and is five years old; I just posted it for the date.
Last edited by Katarina Witt; 09-11-2016 at 01:50 PM..
Reason: Add dated article
No one will fund it so I'll take the 60 person study will have to suffice. Vitamin D also shows promise in combatting flu.
We know now that many people are vitamin D deficient. Getting an adequate amount is a good idea for everyone. Is there any reason to not make sure you get enough vitamin D and also take the vaccine? Sort of a belt and suspenders approach?
What do you perceive the risks of flu vaccine to be that are so overwhelming that you think the vaccine is more dangerous than getting the flu?
What's your evidence for the bold? It is possible to die of the 'natural process'. Frankly, I've seen very little evidence of over-prescription of ABs in pediatrics or in the family practice docs my husband and I use.
What do you know about MRSA and antibiotic resistant staph infections? Drawing on that knowledge and reading the article will help you understand what I'm saying.
What do you know about MRSA and antibiotic resistant staph infections? Drawing on that knowledge and reading the article will help you understand what I'm saying.
Antibiotic resistant infections are indeed a problem. That is why it is important to vaccinate against influenza, so that one will not get a superimposed secondary bacterial infection which may be with a resistant organism. It's not the flu that is causing the resistance. Also, the fewer people who need antibiotics for anything the better as far as resistance to them is concerned.
I do not think the article says what you appear to think it does. It shows that preventing flu is better than treating it.
What do you know about MRSA and antibiotic resistant staph infections? Drawing on that knowledge and reading the article will help you understand what I'm saying.
The article does not at all support what you're saying. It says kids should get flu shots, and that only 6% of the deaths, fewer even than what I, who has been called a "rabid pro-vaxer", posted were in fully-vaccinated children.
You added an editorial about overuse of antibiotics.
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