Posted on 07/11/2009 8:04:25 AM PDT by kellynla
An outbreak of swine flu occurred in Mexico this spring that eventually affected 4,910 Mexican citizens and resulted in 85 deaths. By the time it spread to the United States, the virus caused only mild cases of flu-like illness.
Thanks to air travel and the failure of public health officials to control travel from Mexico, the virus spread worldwide. Despite predictions of massive numbers of deaths and the arrival of doomsday, the virus has remained a relatively mild disease, something we know happens each year with flu epidemics.
Worldwide, there have only been 311 deaths out of 70,893 cases of swine flu. In the United States, 27,717 cases have resulted in 127 deaths. Every death is a tragedy, but such a low death rate should not be the basis of a draconian government policy.
It is helpful to recall that the Centers for Disease Control with the collusion of the media, constantly tell us that 36,000 people die from the flu each year, a figure that has been shown to be a lie. In this case, we are talking about 300 plus deaths for the entire world.
This virus continues to be an enigma for virologists. In the April 30, 2009 issue of Nature, a virologist was quoted as saying,“Where the hell it got all these genes from we don’t know.” Extensive analysis of the virus found that it contained the original 1918 H1N1 flu virus, the avian flu virus (bird flu), and two new H3N2 virus genes from Eurasia. Debate continues over the possibility that swine flu is a genetically engineered virus.
Naturally, vaccine manufacturers have been in a competitive battle to produce the first vaccine. The main contenders have been Baxter Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the latter of which recently acquired the scandal-ridden Chiron vaccine company.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Neither have I taken it. I just heard about it, mentioned by another FReeper who said they had taken it. I just thought I would pass it on to anyone interested. It does sound like it might be something worthwhile for some FReepers to consider (of course, hopefully not having an allergic reaction to it, like you did...).
I have had one flu shot in my life and that was the only year that I have gotten the flu. I felt like death warmed over, I told my husband that I was going to lay down and for him to check on me in an hour to see if I was still alive. He woke me later and I had a temp of just over 104 degrees. He spent the day with me trying to get the temp down, at one point carrying me up the stairs to put me in a tub of cool water. I barely remember those 2 days, I am lucky I didn’t have lasting effects from it.
I do however worry about one of my sons. He has allergies and asthma and will catch any bug within 50 miles. Not sure where he got them, neither my husbands family or mine have any allergies or asthma history. None of the other 5 hardly get even the sniffles.
Thanks for the info. Knowledge is always a good thing. I was grateful for the drug, however, as it got me well in no time flat (and prevented my high fever from spiking even higher and forcing me into the ER).
Something else about Tamiflu...
—
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 1
Viruses resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) identified
8 JULY 2009 | GENEVA — WHO has been informed by health authorities in Denmark, Japan and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, China of the appearance of H1N1 viruses which are resistant to the antiviral drug oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) based on laboratory testing.
These viruses were found in three patients who did not have severe disease and all have recovered. Investigations have not found the resistant virus in the close contacts of these three people. The viruses, while resistant to oseltamivir, remain sensitive to zanamivir.
Close to 1000 pandemic H1N1 viruses have been evaluated by the laboratories in the Global Influenza Surveillance Network for antiviral drug resistance. All other viruses have been shown sensitive to both oseltamivir and zanamivir. WHO and its partners will continue to conduct ongoing monitoring of influenza viruses for antiviral drug resistance.
Therefore, based on current information, these instances of drug resistance appear to represent sporadic cases of resistance. At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the development of widespread antiviral resistance among pandemic H1N1 viruses. Based on this risk assessment, there are no changes in WHO’s clinical treatment guidance. Antiviral drugs remain a key component of the public health response when used as recommended.
—
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/h1n1_antiviral_resistance_20090708/en/index.html
I lived through many flu outbreaks over the last 60 years...got a bug...lived through it..no big deal...
then 10 years ago my company gave us free flu shots....
thanks to the shot I have guillain barre syndrome and am a near cripple for 10 years.
no more vaccines for me or my family unless its for a life threatening immediate outbreak.
Right with you. Nearly 50 and have lived through several flu outbreaks. EVERY time I got a flu shot, I got sick as hell. When I don’t get the shot, I might get a case, but it’s bearable. Back in the 70’s during the swine flu outbreak, more people died from the vaccine that the flu itself.
MAN! I am sorry to hear that!
well, I've only had one inoculation since I was discharged from the Marine Corps and I got the flu after receiving the shot so I don't get ‘em any more...
FTA: “Baxter had released a seasonal flu vaccine containing the bird flu virus, which would have produced a real world pandemic, to 18 countries. Fortunately, astute lab workers in the Czech Republic discovered the deadly combination and blew the whistle before a worldwide disaster was unleashed.”
Damn.
FTA: “Despite these two deadly events, WHO maintains an agreement with Baxter Pharmaceuticals to produce the world’s pandemic vaccine.”
Super mega damn.
And then you hear people just get the flu anyway. I’ll take my chances with the flu.
I found an article regarding lavender oil, three drops rubbed into each foot. Apparently years ago when the bubonic plague killed so many in Europe, one city where they manufactured lavender oil, nobody got sick. I’m going to get some and rub it on my hands as well. I wash my hands a lot.
I don’t either and I refuse them, as does my husband. He and I havenever had the flu and my doctors keep hammering me about it. I won’t do it. You don’t know what’s in the vaccine or how many children’s lives have already been affected.
Doctors don’t know what’s in half the stuff they give us. I’d feel better if more of them researched the contents. The evil ones are the pharmaceutical companies.
Wow, Vaquero, I’m so sorry to hear that. Just one more reason for us to avoid these shots. Thank you for letting us know. I pray you will recover!
My husband always refuses them. He tells the doctor he doesn’t want to catch the flu.
My husband always refuses them. He tells the doctor he doesn’t want to catch the flu.
“I just don’t trust flu shots.”
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I don’t either, I barely survived the Hong Kong flu in 1968 at the age of twenty four. It was much worse than this flu seems to be. Since then I have not had a vaccination and I don’t think I have had the flu even though I have had a couple of short illnesses that gave me MILD flu-like symptoms. I don’t ever intend to take another flu shot.
The bubonic plague was carried by FLEAS -
fleas don't like lavender.
And then, there's the "Three Thieves Vinegar" -
Seems there were 3 thieves that would rob the dead and yet, never came down sick.
They were caught and offered immunity if they would tell their secret. Turns out, they splashed on a mix of vinegar with garlic, wormwood, and sage ...
Keeping the fleas at bay may not do much good in avoiding the flu bug. ;o)
Makes one wonder, especially regarding the nasal spray with the live virus, if this isn’t deliberate to spread the flu widely.
If so, it may be only for profit motives - many in DC, including the obamamama, bought early stock in the vaccine, even before it was developed. The more that’s used, the more money for the stockholders.
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