Debbie, I wouldn’t do it. I haven’t had a flu shot in years. The only 2 times I did I got very sick. I simply don’t trust the government to have tested this vaccine enough. Better to build your immune system up with a good cod liver oil and vitamin C powder.

Kathleen Ward on November 15, 2009 at 2:10 pm

My daughter didn’t get vaccinated and then caught the H1N1.
We brought her to the doctor and they confirmed she had it.

She was on her back sick in bed for about 4 days and then poof…she was over it.
And she didn’t take Tamiflu.

She had a horrible headache and projectile vomiting at first,but then the symptoms subsided.

Neither her mom or myself got vaccinated and neither of us caught the bug from our daughter.

I’m 52 and her mom is 58

We have no plans on getting the shot.

I would suggest to you to get some flu medicine (including Tamiflu) and take lots of Vit.C and NOT get the shot.

Regards

ebayer on November 15, 2009 at 2:13 pm

Just look up the research on vitamin D and flu prevention. Borrowing the legal term “preponderance of evidence” published papers show that proper blood levels of D will give one great protection from contracting the flu as well as many other negative health conditions including cancer and heart disease.

Allen on November 15, 2009 at 2:16 pm

Debbie: I am in the medical field and it is not a one size fits all proposition. If one is obese, has a chronic illness like diabetes and respiratory complications, then the vax is highly recommended. If one is 50ish or over and do not have any chronic illness, then there is likely some acquired immunity from previous flu epidemics e.g., the 1976-77 epidemic. Myself, I received the Swine Flu vax in 1976 and have some acquired immunity. I am also a kidney transplantee, and even if I hadn’t received the 1976 vax, I would NOT go for the H1N1. All flu vaccines have adjuvants added to help boost the immune system. I do not want my immune system boosted because this boost would start the process of rejection.

From my professional experience, the older patients who have truly been ill with the H1N1 already had immune compromised health: were obese, had diabetes, lung disorders and the like. The sickest of the sick have been kids and young adults. While the oldsters have had flu symptoms, they were not the most ill but certainly were the biggest and loudest whiners.

To date, I have not neither directly seen nor heard of any patients becoming ill from the H1N1 vax. Hope that helps a little. Boils down to personal choice and gambling on “am I the X% who might have a bad experience with the vax.”

Roberta on November 15, 2009 at 2:22 pm

I’m always wary of vaccines that are rush jobs. There are a lot of medical treatments where the doctors’ professional organizations distort or inappropriately belittle side effects. For example, one injection treatment that I’m aware of is touted by the professional doctors’ organization as “no known side effects in humans”. True, but there have been side effects in animals, and this injection hasn’t been around long enough for long-term impact to be known. If your doctor advises it, I guess it’s OK, but I have a general apprehensiveness.

Little Al on November 15, 2009 at 2:42 pm

In school and the military you are required to get it. For good reason, survival. One person can take out out many. I am not one to take any more chances with my safey than I have to. My everyday job and daily living are risky enough.
I got mine as well as the seasonal flu shot. I deal with scumbags everyday and fight about 2 times a month, minimum and that’s very close contact.

Joe on November 15, 2009 at 2:47 pm

My Dad was one of those anomalies who once got sick because of a flu shot. It all depends on the individuals. If they had a vaccine for a deadly virus like Ebola-type hemorrhagic fevers, I would advise Debbie to get one without hesitation because the mortality rate is more than 90%. For some diseases, no cure exists, only a means to prevent them.

NormanF on November 15, 2009 at 3:24 pm

Debbie, have you ever had full blown flu? I have had it twice in my life and the first time I thought I was going to die. I haven’t thought about the flu shot much but I think I will get it. This flu is more deadly. My father got the flu shot and nothing happened to him. He is a senior citizen and since they have weaker immune system, there is no question whether or not to take the shot.

If you are personally apprehensive, have something scheduled after the shot so it will take your mind off it. Statistically thinking about the wrong outcome is worse the outcome itself.

CaliforniaScreaming on November 15, 2009 at 3:40 pm

I am old enough to remember what happened the last time the government dragged this thing out (Mid 1970s). The government had to stop it right away because it literally did more harm than good. More people got a very serious illness (some died from it) from the vaccine itself than were diagnosed with the disease (and there are some who claim no one actually had the disease). It was for this reason that I believed you had to be either an idiot or suicidal to get the vaccine right away.

Now the vaccine has been out for a bit and I am not aware of any serious problems. I am a diabetic so I intend on getting the vaccine. My kids have had it because my wife wanted them to have it.

The above having been said, since you seem to be in good health and based on what happened in the mid 1970s I don’t think you really need it. However I would hate to be wrong about that.

I_AM_ME on November 15, 2009 at 3:48 pm

Debbie, if you are healthy, have a well functioning immune system don’t take it. I like many here got flu only once in my life, after taking a flu shot.
This virus did no occur naturally. NO combination of human, pig and forget now the third one, DNA can combine naturally. This was manufactured and somehow got to the public. There was a report hat a cat picked it up from it’s owner in Iowa. When did you hear of a virus crossing species? Very few people have died relatively speaking and most of them were old, and/or had other conditions. ebayer says the doctors confirmed H1N1 in his daughter but they stopped testing because they’ve admitted the tests as to type are not accurate and it doesn’t matter in terms of treatment. Tamiflu works for either.

I know if my folks were alive they’d be discouraging administering it and would not be giving it to me or anyone in the family. They were big believers in developing natural immunities.

MK750 on November 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm

[Debbie, if you are healthy, have a well functioning immune system don’t take it.
MK750 on November 15, 2009 at 4:03 pm]

Exactly. Deb if you’re not considered to be in a high risk group, you don’t have to take it.

Norman Blitzer on November 15, 2009 at 4:10 pm

I caught the Hong Kong flu in 1968 big-time (the last major pandemic). The next ‘flu season’ I got a flu shot and was miserable for the next week, and I haven’t had in flu shot since. The is more a social phenomenon than a critical and/or significant medical concern. Remember: The Swine Flu is just The Flu……

#1 Vato on November 15, 2009 at 4:56 pm

Debbie, try reading the website of this doctor Sherry Tenpenny. She will give you the 411 on the so-called swine flu.

http://drtenpenny.com/default.aspx

Full disclosure, I have not taken flu shots in years and year and have not had the flu. Upper respiratory problems yes.

By the way there was a report of a VA Teen getting GUillen Barre Syndrome this week. There was a report on 60 minutes in 1979 which looked at 1976, the last time the so-called Swine Flu and the media pandemic invaded the nation.

My advice–Vitamin D, a banana a day…AND AVOID STRESS!

Bob Porrazzo on November 15, 2009 at 6:00 pm

I’ve been to Dr. Tenpenny’s site and she is an apologist for the cientifically disproven autism-vaccine theory. I would not base any of my decisions on the information on that site.

But I think most of the opinions here are right: you aren’t old or obese and you have good health, you should be fine even if you get the flu.

Luis on November 15, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Don’t Take The Shot!

It is a Labratory Created Virus!

Listen to this interview from Israel National Radio’s Tamar Yonah Show where she interviews Dr.Rima Laibow.

This interview exposes the Evil behing the H1N1 Shot.

Oklahoma on November 15, 2009 at 8:44 pm

Here is the link.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/News.aspx/1100

Oklahoma on November 15, 2009 at 8:46 pm

NO FLU SHOT Debbie!

Note to Bob P. Be sure it’s Vitamin D3.

Stymie on November 15, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Debbie, I would advise against it. Everyone I’ve ever known who got a flu shot ended up getting sick. Of course they were all told the same thing. That they caught a “different strain” of flu, “it wasn’t the shot”. Not very convincing. If you are in relatively good health, you probably won’t get the flu. And if you did, it wouldn’t be any worse than any other strain of flu that’s been around before.

White Rook on November 15, 2009 at 9:27 pm

If you are in an “at risk” category, I would take it.

Worry01 on November 15, 2009 at 9:31 pm

unless you have any contraindications to getting it, i would advise, Yes, get it

i’ve gotten it, and the one for the standard flu

i remeber a few years ago when i didn’t get it, and got the flu, and needed bronchodilators for a few weeks to breathe
(no asthma, but do have animal allergies, although was not exposed to any animal allergens at the time)

but ask your personal physician for a definitive opinion

at some time down the line, there may be a point when the vaccine-refuser proportion of an at risk population reaches a level to maintain a disease prevalence, and possible more virulent mutations

the CDC/epidemiological jury is still out

all things considered,
if there are no reasons not to take it, it seems better for to try for disease eradication

exdem on November 15, 2009 at 9:43 pm

Don’t get it Debbie.I listened to an Internal Med. M.D. interview.There are two variants of the shot.One for pregnant women,one for not.But both have trace amounts of a chemical he pronounced as “squalene”.The M.D. stated this was the chemical that caused so many weird medical side effects to Gulf War Vets from “Desert Storm”.

billybob on November 15, 2009 at 9:45 pm

The other drug in the vaccine that is a problem is a mercury based one called thimerosal,a preservative thats also dangerous & toxic to humans.
Google them both for your own due-diligence !
Personally,if going into crowded places I wear an N95 surgi mask.I also carry liquid hand sanitizer to use frequently & keep my hands away from face contact to avoid contamination.

billybob on November 15, 2009 at 10:00 pm

“There are two variants of the shot.One for pregnant women,one for not.”

billybob, that’s interesting. There’s been a big up tick in miscarriages in women who had the shot just days before. Not to be paranoid or anything LOL, but I guess the forced abortions have started. I didn’t know that there were two strains of vaccine and ins’t it also interesting that in spite of this virus “suddenly” appearing, they were able to prepare not one but two vaccines to combat it.

Someone mentioned “disease eradication.” Isn’t gonna happen. Just when you think it’s gone it will either show up again in mutated form or something worse will arise. Disease is part of the human condition. But I do believe we can prevent OURSELVES from getting most of them. Eat well, lose weight, get out of the car and I don’t mean mall walk. There’s a difference between deliberately walking for exercise and relying on your own two feet and public transportation. Having lived where there’s little of that I understand how hard it is but when you ride the bus, you’re not only walking to your stop, you tend to walk to lunch and shopping. If you stop at the store on your way home, you wind up carrying additional weight. Even two lbs. can add resistance so you burn more calories. I gained weight during menopause. First time I was ever fat in my life. I could not lose it any way I tried. I was miserable. My back killed me. When I cam to Israel we had to walk and use buses. I started losing the weight the first week and with very little change in diet. I’ve lost about 25 lbs of fat in just over a year and I didn’t “diet” I somehow jump started my metabolism again. I think it was sweet potatoes because they mediate insulin and were the only change I made to what I eat. They “cured” the insulin resistance.

MK750 on November 15, 2009 at 10:18 pm

Well I got it (the shot) three weeks ago along with my two young daughters. I don’t fall in the high risk category but my children do by virtue of their age. Perhaps since it was the first clinic in Oakland County (OCC Farmington Hills) they were pretty much giving it to everyone who showed up and stood in the rain for 3 hours! I told them I didn’t fall in the category to get the shot but they looked at me like I was crazy and said it would be a missed opportunity, etc. So, I got it. So far so good! Same for my girls. Five out of six doctors I know said they would get it. I’ve gotten the regular flu shot every year for years since it had always been offered at work. Never had a problem. Had friends on facebook telling me we need to go through heavy metal detox, etc., and how the shot is “so bad for you” but I like this science-based article: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/48976/title/From_the_infectious_diseases_meeting_Whats_with_the_vaccine-o-phobia

Nesh on November 15, 2009 at 10:48 pm

One of the problems with one of the versions of flu vaccine is the squalene adjuvant. It isn’t present in the nasal spray or in the vaccine made in the US. Just find out who made the vaccine and where it’s from. If it’s SKB, no, don’t take it. Aside from squalene, there’s aluminum and mercury in tiny amounts.

I was sick with H1N1 in 1957 so I have some immunity. I got the regular flu shot but will not get the H1N1 shot. If I thought I was at risk, I’d get the nasal version since it doesn’t contain any of the bad stuff.

Ron on November 15, 2009 at 11:43 pm

I’ve practiced natural and (what’s termed derisively) alternative health protocols on myself for 40 years. I’ve never had the flu. In the past 30 years I’ve never had a cold. But then, I don’t jam myself into subway cars packed solid with biological warfare agents (known as other human beings). Not do I work in a grammar school, or any other place with lots and lots of confined mass of people. I don’t shake hands and then lick my fingers, I don’t put coins in my mouth, and about a dozen other ways sickness vectors in on the immune system. I’m not a scaredy-cat, but I’m not stupid, either.

I’m also well off enough to pay for things I want tested because I want to know, without resort to trying to get an insurance company to pay for me. Those tests over the years have proven my natural ways time and again.

Like when I chose to address cholesterol numbers by taking an oral chelation. After 45 days of 650 mg 2x a day, my cholesterol numbers came back at 150, at a 1/1 ratio of good-to-bad cholesterol. No dangerous liver-affecting statins for this kid. And btw – spent all of $22 for the chelation.

I’d studied mono-lauric acid for it’s efficacy in fighting viruses. It works. Monolaurin (trade name) strips the protein coat off a virus, exposing it to white cell hunter seekers. Viruses hide. They camouflage in the bloodstream via the protein coat so the immune system doesn’t recognize it. Strip away the protein coat and it’s naked and helpless. Monolaurin does an excellent job at this.

When combined with odorless garlic (a superior virus fighter), Oil of Oregano and Olive Leaf extract, Vitamin C, Echinacea, Thymus glandular and Germanium you’ve got a highly efficient no side-effect virus killer.

The very best way to deal with an immune system virus (colds and flu) is to keep your intestinal tract in tip top order. Very few medical doctors understand that 90%+ of immune system health and integrity is directly tied to intestinal health. The intestinal tract in many ways is your immune system.

Next up is Occiloccocinum, a homeopathic that is a virutal silver bullet for colds and flu. Cheap, very very effective. Pop the top on a small vial of Occilo, let the sugary vanilla tasting beads dissolve under the tongue and you’re on your way to being good to go. THE TRICK IS TO TAKE OCCILO AT THE VERY FIRST HINT OF COLD OR FLU. This is what most people don’t do. They drag along not dealing with the first hint of symptoms and when it finally comes rushing on like a freight train, THEN deal with it by going to a doctor or taking all sorts of over the counter concoctions.

That’s why it gets on top of them. Delaying dealing with it.

The absolutely smack-on flu killer is intravenous Vitamin C. No flu can survive it.

There are lots and lots of ways to deal with the persistence of cold and flu strains permeating every bit of atmosphere we breathe and every surface we touch in our modern inter-connected society. Know this and prepare for it, rather than injecting yourself. That, to me, is the conservative, free market, don’t tread on me way … the way of liberty and freedom taking care of yourself ahead of problems. And taking care to educate yourself sufficiently that you can rely on yourself instead of looking to others.

Risking an injection with a substance you know nothing about, that you take on faith that it is what it says it is, that it was made in clean sterile environments, and handled by people who are qualified and concerned about your safety is just more of a challenge than I think you should be willing to take, Debbie.

One of the best, classically trained homeopaths in the nation .. her father (at his retirement home) was convinced to get the vaccine. From the moment they withdrew the needle he’s been paralyzed on his (L) side and began hallucinating. I know this woman personally. Have known her for 20+ years. It’s not an apocryphal scare story from conspiracy nut jobs.

I can’t muster the kind of faith required to take an injection the government and the media are hyping on me like it’s the end of the world.

I reserve that kind of Faith for my God.

Not the bum’s rush.

Jack Mackenzie on November 16, 2009 at 1:48 am

In one of the above posts I noticed the phrase “ask your personal physician” Uh, what is that? Do you mean the Dr. at the local clinic that’s the satellite of the district hospital here? Heck, I’ve been trying for 3 months to get an appointment for a personal health issue. Fat chance!!

Moonbat on November 16, 2009 at 7:04 am

I’m 60 years old and have had only a couple of flu shots in
my life. My wife and I had flu shots several years ago and
we both got very sick. Coincidence? Who knows. The “experts”
say you don’t get sick from immunizations, but it sure felt
like the flu. I am not against vaccines, but the flu shots
scare me a bit.

Daniel on November 16, 2009 at 8:37 am

Debbie – 2 of my doctors told me do NOT get the H1N1 shot this year. Maybe next when the testing is better. It also takes about 6 months for the symptoms from the shot to show up according to both of them (they don’t know each other… these doctors, btw)

The Flu Shot? Yes. H1N1? No.

Barbara on November 16, 2009 at 9:27 am

I took the mist and felt great. Went on vacation, worked out, had a great day at the beach. A nurse walks into the unit and tells us about how sick he was for 5 days(he still looks sick 8 days later). He was down and out. 103 temp and on deaths door. He said he wished he had the mist. He is walking around coughing still and I’m one of very few that have had the vaccine, and walks around with confidence. I haven’t ran into anyone that has had the shot at work. I’m also the only one that didn’t run from him when he had a coughing fit. My doc told me he wasn’t buying the side effects b.s. from the media.
Just did a good 150 squats yesterday and I’m convinced that the mist was a great decision.

Joe on November 16, 2009 at 10:54 am

Should you get an H1N1 vaccine? Flip a coin…what you should do is get back to making fun and mocking wild ham beasts and butterhogs (fat chicks) !!

mrbshamrock on November 16, 2009 at 11:24 am

Why in the world would you take the shot if your NOT a high risk to die from the Swine Flu? Did you know that in 1976, more people died from the vaccine than actually died from the swine flu? Do you think the government can guarantee that you won’t get sicker as a result of the vaccine? Don’t you preach that the Government can’t do anything right? Why would you trust them with your life when they can’t even count votes in Florida,evacuate people in New Orleans or balance a budget?

John H Doe on November 16, 2009 at 11:25 am

Never ever, don’t trust it. Stay away from hospitals too. Thats where you get sick.

Early to bed Early to rise. Makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.
Unless you cut your hand off, stay away from doctors and the government.

GBo on November 16, 2009 at 11:38 am

I would say if you are not in a high risk category–don’t have asthma, aren’t around kids in a school as a teacher, etc.–you don’t need to get the vaccine.

My friend who has a PhD in microbiology is going to get the vaccine and doesn’t see anything wrong with it and always gets flu shots. He doesn’t believe the conspiracy theories about the H1N1 vaccine.

But if you eat well and wash your hands a lot and are not in any high risk categories, you probably don’t need to get the vaccine.

JM on November 16, 2009 at 11:52 am

Your dad was a doctor, right? What would he say about this? Did he get the flu shot over his lifetime?

I’ve had the flu shot a number of times over my life and I’ve never had any reactions from it. Same with a number of people in my family. The few time that I’ve had the flu were the years that I did not get the shot. It’s a pretty miserable experience for a couple days, but it’s not the end of the world if you’re a healthy adult.

Some Dude on November 16, 2009 at 11:58 am

Only one thing to say…DON’T DO IT!

alive in Cyprus on November 16, 2009 at 1:40 pm

I have no desire to be inoculated with a Government produced vaccine that has not been researched by independent researchers.

I have not had a flu shot ever and do not get the flu.I have to laugh at all the hysteria every year while I watch everyone run out to get a useless flu shot that makes more people sick than the real flu.

ScottyDog on November 16, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Good question actually. Many of my friends young children, and my own childrens children have caught it, confirmed by the Dr. This flu for some reason is getting the youngsters. In every case that I have witnessed, the adults in the home did not get the flu… Not sick at all, so it is a little weird. At 50, I guess I have to get it, I have some underlying health issues that put me at risk. That is what my Dr. tells me anyway, but he is not forcing the issue at all. Lots to think about.

sharon on November 16, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Debbie,

First post here? If they had a vaccine for memory loss or rash decision making I would take it.

anecdotal opinion:
I got a flu shot once in 83 or 84 and have never been as sick before or since. That cured me from ever getting them again. I just turned 50.

My teen aged daughter got violently ill 4 or 5 weeks ago with the flu, I didn’t take her to the doctor and she recovered just fine with the same little bit of bed rest and monitoring of the symptoms as any other illness. None of the rest of the family got sick and I have no intention of parading them down to the clinic to get a shot. Life is a gamble, but you looked plenty healthy the couple of times I have seen you. I would skip the shot if you haven’t got it already. My uneducated opinion, for what it is worth.

Michael

Michael LeFavour on November 16, 2009 at 3:56 pm

I’m more afraid of the Ukraine Hemmorhagic Pneumonia. From some of the articles I’ve read, if you’re born before 1957, you have a natural immunity to H1N1.

hoss on November 17, 2009 at 9:36 am

DO NOT TAKE THE MEXICAN FLU VACCINATION!

Smudge on November 17, 2009 at 10:09 am

1. You are not a child and
2. You are not immune -compromised.
Those adults who are getting this vaccination are depriving those in need; children, pregnant women, and those who are immune-compromised.
Debbie, are you pregnant?

Smudge on November 17, 2009 at 10:12 am

DO NOT get it if you’re pregnant. There’s been a big uptick in miscarriages in women who had it a few days earlier.

PREGNANCY IS NOT AN ILLNESS. if you are otherwise healthy and are maintaining good health by exercising and eating properly, pregnancy is not a risk factor for anything. Get enough rest and avoid unnecessary exposure. Take your vitamins and stop worrying. Enjoy your G-d given function (among others) as a woman.

Carrying a baby does not damage the mother’s health if she is healthy going in.

MK750 on November 17, 2009 at 11:25 am

I’ve never left a comment on your blog before (which I read each and every week), but after reading some recent news and being directed to this recent video series (given by nun who is a physician in Spain) I thought I’d like to put it up here for your inspection. They are a must see for those who like to inform themselves. It is in Spanish, but easy to follow and the subtitles are good–quite sufficient for the informative speech that it is. It is the most complete general information about this flu and then some…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0JqQyl09zQ

I also listened to the radio program whose link a former reader posted and I found these videos (there are 6 in all) to be far superior to the radio show. In my opinion, the radio guest was just a bit too sensational, and made a few outlandish claims, although I doubt she is that far from the truth.

Nathan on November 17, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Am curious to know what your dad’s opinion about flu shots in general. I have a couple of doctor buddies that do NOT take flu shots.

#1 Vato on November 17, 2009 at 7:04 pm

No. But then like the Soviets, if you see a line get in it. There might be bread.

FeFe on November 18, 2009 at 9:36 am

I will NOT get the H1N1 vaccine.

Mark on November 18, 2009 at 12:56 pm

i have been readen all u coments and i js dont now what to do some r good some r not my son is 14 n my daughter is 11 neither one have ever had the flu n neither one have ever had the flu shot there school is doing the h1n1 shots n feb. n im allitle nervus bout saying yes.

leslie on January 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Please just get the shot. I got it and I was just fine.

Robyn on October 22, 2017 at 12:35 pm