Flu shot unable to combat virus strain

Associated Press ^ | Mon, Dec. 15, 2003 | DANIEL Q. HANEY

[Bonaparte]

"...the cause is surely related to eating too much sugar and too many grains..."

If I get my sugar and grains in the form of whiskey, does that count?

[nopardons]

That's silly! People, in 1919, died in HUGE numbers, from the Spanish Flu and ate far less sugar and grains, than they do now.

Flu shots don't " cure " the flu; they prevent or lessen the flu's syptoms, when one gets it.

Various strains of the flu have been killing people, from time immemorial. It has little to do with " compromised immune syptoms " and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that flu can and does KILLS!

[nopardons]

It doesn't count at all, either way. :-)

[ngc6656]

"So the flu strikes those who have had flu vaccine more often than those who have not?"

NO, Alzheimer's strikes those who have had the flu vaccine more often!

Oh, it is your contention that the minuscule amounts of aluminum and mercury in flu vaccine increases the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Is it not possible that we receive far greater amounts of aluminum and mercury than we would from a lifetime series of flu shots if we consume foods prepared or stored in aluminum utensils; if we use alum and baking powder (contains an aluminum compound) in cooking, canning and baking; if we have amalgam dental fillings; if we consume canned tuna and other seafoods?

[Snowy]

My sympathies. It's horrible.

May I ask what your symptoms are?

[Mamzelle]

re: The flu vaccine can actually weaken the immune system and make you more predisposed to the illness.)))

Really! How does that work?

[WilliamWallace1999]

The immune system is not an all or nothing defense. For some diseases we develope life-long immunity (chicken pox), but for others we develop a transient rise in antibody levels that dwindle over time. Without a "reminder" to the immune system, the level of circulating antibodies fall below the effective range. That's the reason you need a tetanus shot every ten years, but never need to redo your polio immunity IF you got the attenuated Sabine vaccine. The Salk vaccine made with dead virus extracts did not confer lifetime immunity.

Each disease is different. Hell, each strain of the flu is somewhat different. Even as a health officer, I don't normally take the flu shot myself. I did this year along with all five of my girls after I read the early reports in October. I have also rat-holed Tamiflu and amantadine.

Stay safe, stay warm, and stay away from Democrats....

[leu25iso]

That's the reason you need a tetanus shot every ten years, but never need to redo your polio immunity IF you got the attenuated Sabine vaccine.

But aren't both examples above related to the frequency of change in the immunizing antigens (not all are well preserved in killed vaccines). Even when killed is not as good as attenuated, isn't protection for more than several months?

[riri]

Researchers Tout Flu Shot as Quicker, More Accurate

[blam]

Thanks for the ping.

They say it could take years...I could be dead by then, lol.

[freedomcrusader]

From your link:

Researchers tout flu shot as quicker, more accurate
By Marsha Austin and David Migoya
Denver Post

Top influenza researchers have developed a vaccine that they say can more accurately target any flu strain, even mutants like the Fujian A bug that is sweeping across the country.

And scientists say drug companies could develop the vaccine much faster than the current flu shot by growing it in animal cells instead of eggs, where today's vaccine is born.

But significant financial and regulatory barriers threaten to stall getting the new vaccine to consumers. Experts say it will likely be years before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approves new vaccine technology.

[vigilo]

My wife went to the doctor yesterday for an ear/sinus infection. He told us he doesn't get a flu shot because it...gives him the flu. Hummm. During cold and flu season, wear winter gloves until you are at your desk. Do NOT touch your face. Use a paper towel to open the restroom door. Avoid touching what others have touched. Door knobs/handles are infested...don't touch them if at all possible. If you touch a door handle then rub your eye or scratch you nose, you will likely get sick.