I wish you a happy and successful new year. 2017 seemed to have been challenging for many people in terms of news, or other issues, with the crisis still biting a lot of people. However, it was for you, I hope 2018 brings more peace and happiness.
My newsletter was due to cover the very important topic of, what makes us fulfilled in life, as explained by people who are about to pass away…..
However, given that I saw so many people with flu-symptoms and also respiratory issues since November, and given the media coverage of flu vaccination, I felt it was important to discuss the current flu epidemic, and what best to do to protect you.
We are bombarded with requests to vaccinate to protect us and the people around us. And if you work for the NHS, you get what patients are told, and also are put under a lot of pressure to vaccinate yourself. However, it is estimated than less than 50% of all NHS staff do not vaccinate, with some reports that this is even much lower for doctors and medical consultants.
See here. So why is the NHS advising to vaccinate against the flu while its staff is less likely to do so?
Medical studies has shown than year-in, year-out, the flu vaccine only protects for about 50% of the live flu strains, resulting in a protection effectiveness of between 10 and 45% depending on the year. This year, the estimate is a protection of about 40%. This means that 40% of people who vaccinate will get antibodies for the specific flu strain that will impact them.
So, if you think about it, a strategy that protects you at 40% of protection is not really. For instance, many people who do not vaccinate are not getting the flu because their immune system is able to protect them and generate the desired levels of antibodies required.
So in short, many NHS doctors and staff do not vaccinate, even if it is free, because they do not see it as an effective approach.Understanding medical statistics…. the flu vaccine is even less effective…
What is more interesting from the link above, is that Vaccine Effectiveness goes down to 25% if you are considered at risk, and with a weakened immune system.
This is something important to understand about medical studies – the drugs often take credit for what the body would do anyway without the drugs – if you do not vaccinate, and if you do not get the flu, then you know that your immune system protected you. If you vaccinate and do not get the flu, then you can’t know if the flu vaccine can take full credit or if you were anyway protected by your immune system.
So in short, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is likely to be lower than 45%, and probably lower than 25% if we take into account the innate immune system.
The fact that people with weak immune system get a lower rate of vaccine effectiveness should make us think that strengthening our immune system is the key to not being sick. Using a vaccine with a 25% success rate in weak people is not the best way to protect yourself.If I get the flu vaccine anyway, it is just a bonus, no side-effect, is that correct?
There is a lot of push for general vaccination, in the media, and in the pharmaceutical system, and I do not want to be drawn in that debate, which is often very emotional.
Vaccines may have a place for some people, some time, but no therapy is perfect for everyone, all the times.
Intravenous injection of spraying virus have potential side-effects, like everything we do. I suggest you asking the NHS to check the Flu Vaccine side-effect leaflet that comes with the vaccine, as it is your right. The information about some cases of vaccine damage do exist and NHS doctors and consultants are likely to be more aware about them.
However, here are some useful information:
– University of Minnesota – Study linking the flu vaccine and miscarriage
– The Guardian – Flu vaccine and Narcolepsy
Again, these studies do not prove that vaccines are bad for everyone, all the time. They however point that they can have (severe) side-effect sometime for some people…. for less than 25% effectiveness.For specific advice on the flu
You cannot build a health strategy when the body is working the hardest. So for the flu, it is best to start planning in summer time. I tend to send an email about this in June or July, and you can find my last article here – https://thierry-health.com/flu-homeopathy/
How to implement a proper and stronger health programme based on a rational and medical approach, which support and respects the body.
Any health strategy has to be individualised, and has to respect your body (nutrition, toxicity), your emotional well-being and your current place in your life and society. It will also depend on your history and current health status. If you need more information or want a check-up, please contact me.
However, I will still be working part-time probably until April, so please be patient if you need to wait for an appointment or if I cannot answer your query quickly.
Thank you, and again, I wish you all the best for 2018.
Thierry |
