The September 2, 2008 issue of the New York Times ran the article “Doubts Grow Over Flu Vaccine in Elderly”. The article basically said that a growing number of immunologists and epidemiologists believe the influenza vaccine is fairly inneffective at protecting the elderly from contracting the flu virus. To back up their claim take a look at the facts; the population category of people age 70 and older account for 75% of all flu-related deaths. If the seasonal flu vaccine is effective why are so many elderly people getting the flu shot, yet still contracting the flu, and then dying from the flu? Studies show that prior to contracting the flu many victims of influenza already struggled with a poor immune system and medical problems, making them more succeptable to the flu.

The National Vital Statistics Report, published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2006, found that 1,138 deaths occur each year solely due to influenza. Compare that to pneumonia which causes over 60,000 deaths each year. Even though the seasonal flu can sometimes lead to pneumonia, a flu shot has not been found to decrease the number of reported cases of pneumonia. What’s more, in 1989 just 15 percent of the elderly population got the flu shot. That number increased to 65 percent by mid-2000. During this time there has been no decrease in flu or pneumonia deaths among that age bracket.

Does it look like the seasonal flu shot is working?

The elderly’s best defense against the flu—everyone’s best defense against the flu—is to take natural and healthy preventive measures. Wash your hands frequently. Boost your body’s immune system and ability to ward off the flu virus by getting a weekly chiropractic adjustment. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; lay off processed foods and sugars. And exercise each week.

Research from Dr. Hugh Fudenberg—one of the world’s leading immunologists—found that people who receive the flu shot 3 to 5 years in a row are ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

The catalyst appears to be the mercury and aluminum found in the flu shot vaccine. Dr. Fudenberg believes that these elements are toxic to brain cells, causing a reaction that over-stimulates the brains immune system. There is compelling evidence that suggests that an over-stimulated immune system can trigger Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and autism spectrum disorders, as well as Gulf War Syndrome.

Even more disturbing is that the same aluminum and mercury found in the flu vaccination is found in vaccinations given to babies and children. Once these poisonous elements begin to accumulate in the brain, diseases and disorders like Autism often follow.

Here’s the good news, there are several alternatives to vaccinations. There is a solid connection between nutrition and a healthy immune system. People who stay hydrated and eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits each day, are much less likely to develop an illness or disease. By simply adding regular chiropractic adjustment to healthy eating habits, you’ll maximize your body’s immune system naturally! And you can do it all without injections and toxic chemicals being released into your system.

[Source: Newsmax.com health alert October 2007]

Contributing to the case against vaccine use is the fact that influenza viruses mutate and vary from year to year, making it difficult for scientists to study the precise effects of the vaccines. In addition, the medical field seems to have difficulty distinguishing between the flu and completely different illnesses that share the same symptoms as the flu.

“This confusion leads to a gross overestimation of the impact of influenza,” says Jefferson, “and unrealistic expectations of the performance of the vaccines, and spurious certainty of our ability to predict viral circulation and impact.”

Added into the mix of confusion are policy makers. In their efforts to deal with public health issues—or at least to be “seen” as actively working to defend public health—many politicians promote the flu vaccination simply because it’s a household name.

With so much controversy, it’s time to take the smart and simple approach to maintaining health and warding off sickness. Eat healthy, exercise and make chiropractic care part of your daily lifestyle.