Vaccine Is Said to Fail to Protect Against Flu Strain

The New York Times | 01/15/04 | LAWRENCE K. ALTMAN

[Johnny_Cipher]

With the long lead time it takes to develop the influenza inoculations for any given year, much of the vaccine's effectiveness is based on an educated guess about which strain will be most virulent during that particular flu season. This year, they guessed wrong.

[oceanperch]

No duh!

[Johnny_Cipher]

Hence my long-held belief that getting a "flu shot" is essentially a waste of time and benefits only the vaccine company's bottom line. Until that long lead time to develop an effective vaccine can be cut down, you might as well inject distilled water into yourself for all the good it does.

[chicagolady]

My point Exactly!!

[Johnny_Cipher]

Up until 15 years ago, I got my flu shot every year without fail. Invariably, I got a mild to moderate case of the flu every year about a week after getting the shot. Since I stopped getting jabbed, I contracted a "wild" case one time and treated it with OTC remedies (including some very good single malt Scotch) and my aunt's chicken soup. It went away after 5 days and I haven't had a reoccurrence since.

[EGPWS]

With the long lead time it takes to develop the influenza inoculations for any given year, much of the vaccine's effectiveness is based on an educated guess about which strain will be most virulent during that particular flu season. This year, they guessed wrong.

Well, when it comes down to it, the flu will just have to be taken care of by the body of an individual. I have no doubt that this mode of resistance to the flu will guarantee the existence of humankind.

[Johnny_Cipher]

Well, when it comes down to it, the flu will just have to be taken care of by the body of an individual.

True. While its good to have some way of treating symptoms to help those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, etc, I also believe that G*d provides all of us with all the weapons we need to fight this yearly affliction on our own. The human body is a marvelous machine.

I have no doubt that this mode of resistance to the flu will guarantee the existence of humankind.

If memory serves, "hybrid vigor" is the term used by breeders that describes that quality.

[snopercod]

...this season's influenza vaccine failed to protect against the Fujian strain that has caused most cases.

As I posted earlier, the media frenzy over innoculation was just an attempt by the government to use up old supplies.

Injecting the vaccine into gullible people is a lot cheaper than having to dispose of it as medical waste.

[KneelBeforeZod]

isn't this what they said when it was first distributed?

(yes)

[chicagolady]

That did not stop Sheeple from standing in line around the block clammering to get inoculated with this useless potion.

[chicagolady]

This is really gonna be a surprise for those who bow to the Great and Mighty Flu Vaccine!

[OldFriend]

How this is news is beyond me. It has been noted for months that this year's vaccine was ineffective for the strain of flu that appeared.

The real question ought to be why they ramped up the media to get people to take the ineffective vaccine.

[Johnny_Cipher]

The real question ought to be why they ramped up the media to get people to take the ineffective vaccine.

I've seen other posts here musing that it is cheaper to simply get people to take the shots than to dispose of them as medical waste. I'm not far from believing it.

[Agnes Heep]

Up until 15 years ago, I got my flu shot every year without fail. Invariably, I got a mild to moderate case of the flu every year about a week after getting the shot.

Probably because while your immune system was working up resistance to the antigens in the flu shot, you were left wide open to whatever else happened to be lurking around.

I've always felt that the best way to avoid disease is to keep your immunity strong. Get a high-protein diet, exercise, and don't compromise your immunity by doing foolish things, like smoking or taking immunizations you don't really need.

[Caipirabob]

After catching something that floored me last year. I worked out heavily and ate well, along with drinking several anti-oxidant and herbal immunity enhancer teas. I didn't get any major illness in the fall. First time actually in a while.

[Johnny_Cipher]

I don't really use any magic bullets to maintain my health other than taking a multivitamin and the occasional cup of ginseng tea. "Everything in moderation" is what I was taught and is what I follow.

[Sam Cree]

As much as I despise the Left, and I despise them plenty as a freedom loving capitalist, the past couple years events, starting with Enron, have disillusioned me some.

It's not beyond imagining that a useless vaccine could be pushed on everyone by drug companies.

The only thing making me doubt it at all is my own GP's selling it, since I've known him for years, and trust the guy.

[Unknown Freeper]

Would you talk about what teas and remedies you did use? Thanks.

[Caipirabob]

Hi, I took Echinacea (sp?) in pill for and herbal tea, then some 500-2000mg of vitamin C each day, Mint teas, Chamomille and others. I think the significant thing was working out on the stairmaster heavily (45 mins +) for 3 or four months prior to flu season as well. I have one in my house. I like to watch DVDs via my Netflix subscription while I work out. Makes it fun and convenient.

Really, I used to get sick if the wind blows the wrong way so this was a big achievment for me.</P.