The Raelian Movement
for those who are not afraid of the future : http://www.rael.org
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Why Flu Shots Don't Work
http://www.doctoryourself.com/flushot.html
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 23, 2008
Flu Shots For The Elderly Are Ineffective
(OMNS, October 23, 2008) Have the elderly people in your family missed
their flu shot? If so, they may have made the right decision. The New
York Times recently reported that "A growing number of immunologists
and epidemiologists say the vaccine probably does not work very well
for people over 70," and that previous studies may have shown "not any
actual protection against the flu virus but a fundamental difference
between the kinds of people who get vaccines and those who do not . .
. simply because they went to the doctor more often." (1)
Influenza vaccination has been widely touted even though evidence of
effectiveness is lacking. One large scientific review looked at 40
years' worth of influenza vaccine studies. It found that flu shots
were ineffective for elderly persons living in the community, and flu
shots were "non-significant against influenza" for elderly living in
group homes. (2) The authors of another major review "found no
correlation between vaccine coverage and influenza-like-illness attack
rate." (3) Author Dr. Thomas Jefferson said, "The vaccine doesn't work
very well at all. Vaccines are being used as an ideological weapon.
What you see every year as the flu is caused by 200 or 300 different
agents with a vaccine against two of them. That is simply nonsense."
(4) Indeed, he commented, "What you see is that marketing rules the
response to influenza, and scientific evidence comes fourth or fifth."
(5)
Some still claim that flu vaccinations, even though they do not
prevent the flu, may help prevent more serious complications such as
pneumonia, so dreaded and so often deadly for the elderly. But the
authors of the study discussed in the NY Times article specifically
noted that "influenza vaccination was not associated with a reduced
risk of community-acquired pneumonia." (6)
As with all immunizations, flu shots can have harmful side effects.
Vaccines may contain, among other things, ingredients such as mercury
and aluminum, which are widely regarded as toxic. The elderly are more
likely to be injured by, or even die from, flu vaccine side effects.
Such incidents may remain unreported by hospitals or physicians. One
man, aged 76, had a flu shot and immediately had to be hospitalized
for a week. When family members suggested to the hospital staff and
physicians that it was probably a reaction to the shot, their views
were disregarded. Two years later the man had another flu shot, and
was promptly hospitalized a second time. Family members once again
said it was a reaction to the flu shot. The hospital said it was a
low-grade infection, probably a bladder infection. The man died.
There are indications that vaccination side effects are underreported.
The US Food and Drug Administration's Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting
System receives around 11,000 serious adverse reaction reports each
year, mostly from doctors. (7) FDA states that "VAERS tracks serious
vaccine reactions, not common fevers and soreness from shots. Serious
reactions include death, life-threatening illness, hospitalization,
and disability resulting from a vaccine." (8) However, FDA admits that
they probably receive reports for only about 10 percent of all adverse
vaccine reactions. (9) The National Vaccine Information Center
estimates the reporting percentage to be far lower, perhaps under 3
percent. (10)
The exact contents of each year's flu shot is an educated guess.
Sometimes this guess is wrong, as it was for 2008, where the vaccine
"doesn't match two of the three main types of flu bugs now in
circulation. . . . The predominant type A flu virus this year is the
H3N2 strain; 87% are the "Brisbane" strain. And 93% of this year's
type B flu bugs are from the "Yamagata" lineage. The current flu
vaccine's H3N2 component is the "Wisconsin" strain; the type B
component is from the "Victoria" lineage." (11) Even when the guess is
correct, flu viruses frequently mutate and become resistant all over
again.
The flu vaccine, notes the NY Times, has not been double-blind,
placebo-control tested. Faith in vaccination appears to be greater
than the scientific evidence to justify vaccination. Senior citizens
already take far more medications than any other segment of the
population. The elderly have weaker immune systems. The risk of
immunization adverse effects rises accordingly. Increased side effect
danger, along with low effectiveness, is a bad combination.
Is their an available alternative? Yes, there may be: give the elderly
more nutrients, rather than more needles. Older people often have
inadequate diets. With ageing and illness, their bodies' need for
vital nutrients goes up, yet frequently their intake actually goes
down.
Nutritional supplements help fight the flu. Vitamins and minerals have
been shown to significantly reduce incidence and duration of
influenza. This was already known back when many of today's elderly
were still middle-aged. 32 years ago, twice Nobel-Prize winner Linus
Pauling reviewed the nutritional literature and determined that high
doses of vitamin C reduce the frequency and shorten the severity of
influenza. (12) Orthomolecular (nutritional) physicians have
repeatedly confirmed this. Robert F. Cathcart, MD, successfully
treated thousands of viral-illness patients with massive doses of
vitamin C. (13) Vitamin D also increases resistance to influenza (14),
as do the minerals selenium and zinc. (15)
With good nutrition bolstered with supplemental vitamin and mineral
intake, the human body's natural defenses are strengthened and can
rapidly adapt to resist new flu strains. Clinical evidence indicates
that nutrition is more significant that vaccination. Malnutrition is
far more dangerous than not getting vaccinated.
No, there is not a vaccination for every illness. It might be nice if
there were, but no shot can make up for poor nutrition.
Over-reliance on vaccinating the elderly ignores their fundamental
problems of poor diet and vitamin/mineral deficiencies. These are
underlying reasons for a susceptible immune system. Supplemental
nutrition is the "other" immune system booster. It is time to use it.
References:
(1) Goodman B. Doubts grow over flu vaccine in elderly.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/health/02flu.html September 2, 2008.
(2) Rivetti D, Jefferson T, Thomas R et al. Vaccines for preventing
influenza in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jul
19;3:CD004876.
(3) Jefferson T, Rivetti D, Rivetti A et al. Efficacy and
effectiveness of influenza vaccines in elderly people: a systematic
review. Lancet. 2005 Oct 1;366(9492):1165-74.
(4) Gardner A. Flu vaccine only mildly effective in elderly. HealthDay
Reporter, Sept 21, 2005.
(5) Rosenthal E. Flu vaccination and treatment fall far short.
International Herald Tribune, September 22, 2005.
(6) Jackson ML, Nelson JC, Weiss NS, Neuzil KM, Barlow W, Jackson LA.
Influenza vaccination and risk of community-acquired pneumonia in
immunocompetent elderly people: a population-based, nested
case-control study. Lancet. 2008 Aug 2;372(9636):398-405.
(7) National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161,
703-487-4650, 703-487-4600.
(8) http://www.fda.gov/fdac/reprints/vaccine.html
(9) KM Severyn in the Dayton Daily News, May 28, 1993 cited at
http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWSVaccinations.htm
(10) "Investigative Report on the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting
System." National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), 512 Maple Ave. W.
#206, Vienna, VA 22180.
(11) DeNoon DJ. Most influenza strains do not match current vaccine.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570050 February 11, 2008. Also:
Joe Bresee, MD, chief, epidemiology and prevention branch, CDC
Influenza Division, Atlanta. CDC news conference, Feb. 8, 2008.
(12) Pauling L. Vitamin C, the Common Cold, and the Flu. Freeman, 1976.
(13) Cathcart RF. Vitamin C, titrating to bowel tolerance,
anascorbemia, and acute induced scurvy. Med Hypotheses. 1981
Nov;7(11):1359-76. http://www.doctoryourself.com/titration.html
(14) Cannell JJ, Vieth R, Umhau JC, Holick MF, Grant WB, Madronich S,
Garland CF, Giovannucci E. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiol
Infect. 2006. Dec;134(6):1129-40.
(15) Girodon F, Galan P, Monget AL et al. Impact of trace elements and
vitamin supplementation on immunity and infections in
institutionalized elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial.
MIN. VIT. AOX. geriatric network. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Apr
12;159(7):748-54.
For more information:
Video questioning influenza vaccine: http://www.thinktwice.com/flu_show.htm
A humorous look at flu vaccine: http://www.thinktwice.com/Flu_Farce.mov
For further reading:
Miller NZ. Vaccine Safety Manual for Concerned Families and Health
Practitioners: Guide to Immunization Risks and Protection. New
Atlantean Press, 2008. ISBN-10: 1881217353; ISBN-13: 978-1881217350.
Also: Miller NZ. Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective. New
Atlantean Press; Revised Updated Edition, 2008. ISBN-10: 1881217302;
ISBN-13: 978-1881217305.
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Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, March 19, 2008
Vitamins Reduce the Duration and Severity of Influenza
(OMNS, March 19, 2008) Vitamins fight the flu by boosting the body's
own immune response and by accelerating healing. Individuals can be
better prepared for an influenza epidemic by learning how to use
vitamin supplements to fight off ordinary respiratory infections. The
most important vitamins are vitamins C, D, niacin, and thiamine.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has known anti-viral properties [1] and has been directly
associated with fighting influenza in a recent scientific review. [2]
Extensive evidence now shows that vitamin D serves as an important
regulator of immune system responses. [3] The most dramatic evidence
is a recent double-blind trial proving that vitamin D prevents cancers
[4], supported by two recent epidemiological studies. [5,6] Vitamin D
has been part of a supplement combination proven effective against HIV
in a recent double-blind trial. [7]
During a viral infection, the body can draw on vitamin D stored in the
body to supply the increased needs of the immune system. The withdrawn
supplies of vitamin D are quickly replenished with 4,000 to 10,000
IU/day doses for a few days. Due to biochemical individuality, we
recommend vitamin D blood testing as a routine part of a yearly
physical exam.
Niacin
Niacin has known anti-viral properties. The most persuasive evidence
comes from recent work with HIV patients.[8-12] Niacin is required for
cells to generate the energy they use to perform virtually all
biological functions.
Niacin's effectiveness fighting viruses may have to do with
accelerating wound healing as well as improving immunity. Accelerating
tissue repair limits collateral damage and minimizes the risk of
secondary infection. Niacin has been proven to promote healing of
damaged skin in double-blind trials. [13] Other recent findings
(niacin reduces injury to the brain after strokes and reduces
inflammation in general) also provide evidence of healing. [14,15]
Niacin, 500 to 2,000 mg/day in divided doses, is generally well
tolerated during periods when the immune system is fighting viral
infections. One takes such doses for several days starting at the
onset of a viral infection. Dividing the dose reduces flushing. Using
"no-flush" form niacin (inositol hexaniacinate) eliminates the
flushing side effect.
Vitamin C
Strong evidence shows that high doses of vitamin C prevent common
colds and reduce a cold's severity and duration. [16] Given the
similarities between cold and influenza viruses, the scientific case
for treating influenza with vitamin C has been investigated and shown
to have merit. [17] Fighting influenza with vitamin C has been tested
in the clinical setting and reported to be effective at very high
doses. [18, 19]
Extraordinary quantities of vitamin C, between 20,000 and 100,000
mg/day, are surprisingly well tolerated during periods when the immune
system is fighting viral infections. These large daily amounts are
best taken divided up into as many doses per day as possible,
beginning immediately at the first sign of a viral infection. To
achieve maximum effect it is necessary to maintain high concentrations
of vitamin C in the body. Large, very frequent oral intake of vitamin
C can maintain much higher blood plasma concentrations of vitamin C
than is generally believed. [16, 19, 20]
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Two items of recent scientific research have shown that the B-vitamin
thiamine has anti-viral properties. TTFD, one of the fat-soluble forms
of thiamine, was recently proven to be a potent inhibitor of HIV virus
replication [21]. Thiamine was shown to be an effective treatment for
chronic hepatitis B. [22]
Influenza killed more people in the two years following World War I
than all soldiers killed on both sides in four years of machine-gun
warfare. Influenza has been and remains a serious threat to human
health. There is a great deal of public concern about the possibility
of a repeat of the 1918 influenza pandemic. Vitamin C, niacin, vitamin
D, and thiamine act together to strengthen the immune system, and to
optimize health. Intelligent, high-dose vitamin supplement use can do
much to eliminate the risk of death and disability for individuals
with average health, and dramatically reduce the hospitalization and
death rates amongst the most vulnerable members of the population.
References:
[1] http://www.vitamindcouncil.org
[2] Cannell JJ et al. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiology
and Infection. 2006. Dec;134(6):1129-40. Free access to full text
paper at http://www.biochem.wisc.edu/courses/biochem901/secure/materials/readings/09_Cannell.pdf
[3] Tavera-Mendoza LE, White JH. Cell defenses and the sunshine
vitamin. Scientific American, November 2007, 62-72.
[4] Lappe JM et al. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces
cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007
Jun;85(6):1586-91.
[5] Abbas S, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of
postmenopausal breast cancer - results of a large case-control study.
Carcinogenesis. 2008 Jan;29(1):93-9.
[6] Freedman DM et al. Prospective study of serum vitamin D and cancer
mortality in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007. Nov
7;99(21):1594-602.
[7] Kaiser JD et al. Micronutrient supplementation increases CD4 count
in HIV-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy: A
prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2006. 42(5), 523-528.
"Micronutrient supplementation can significantly improve CD4 cell
count reconstitution in HIV-infected patients. . . "
[8] Murray MF. Niacin as a potential AIDS preventive factor. Medical
Hypotheses, 1999. 53(5), 375-379.
[9] Murray MF, Langan M, MacGregor RR. Increased plasma tryptophan in
HIV-infected patients treated with pharmacologic doses of
nicotinamide. Nutrition (NY), 2001. 17(7/8), 654-656.
[10] Murray MF. Treatment of retrovirus induced derangements with
niacin compounds. The Foundation for Innovative Therapies, Inc., USA,
2006. 9 p. US 7012086.
[11] Pero RW. A method for increasing tryptophan and nicotinamide
levels in vivo, and therapeutic and monitoring methods. Lynpete
Trading 6 Pty., Ltd. Trading as Genetic Health Enterprises, S. Afr.
PCT Int. Appl. 2008, 73pp. WO 2008008837 A2 20080117
[12] Dube MP et al. Safety and efficacy of extended-release niacin for
the treatment of dyslipidaemia in patients with HIV infection: AIDS
clinical trials group study A5148. Antiviral Therapy, 2006. 11(8),
1081-1089. "(D)doses up to 2,000 mg daily was safe, well-tolerated and
efficacious in HIV-infected subjects. . . "
[13] http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v04n01.shtml
[14] Maynard KI. Natural neuroprotectants after stroke. Science &
Medicine, 2002. 8(5), 258-267.
[15] Yu, Bi-lian; Zhao, Shui-ping. Anti-inflammatory effect is an
important property of niacin on atherosclerosis beyond its
lipid-altering effects. Medical Hypotheses, 2007. 69(1), 90-94.
[16] Hickey S, Roberts H. Ascorbate: The science of vitamin C. 2004.
Lulu Press. ISBN 1-4116-0724-4. Reviewed at
http://www.doctoryourself.com/ascorbate.html
[17] www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v02n01.shtml
[18] Ely JT. Ascorbic acid role in containment of the world avian flu
pandemic. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2007. 232(7), 847-851.
[19] Cathcart RF. Vitamin C, titrating to bowel tolerance,
anascorbemia, and acute induced scurvy. Med Hypotheses. 1981
Nov;7(11):1359-76. Free access to full text paper at
http://www.doctoryourself.com/titration.html See also: Cathcart RF.
The third face of vitamin C. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine,
7:4;197-200, 1993. Free access at
http://www.orthomoleculartherapy.net/library/jom/1992/pdf/1992-v07n04-p197.pdf
or http://www.doctoryourself.com/cathcart_thirdface.html
Other Cathcart papers posted at www.orthomed.com and
http://www.doctoryourself.com/biblio_cathcart.html.
[20] Duconge J et al. Pharmacokinetics of vitamin C: insights into the
oral and intravenous administration of ascorbate. PR Health Sciences
Journal, 2008. 27:1, March.
[21] Shoji, Shozo et al. Thiamine disulfide as a potent inhibitor of
human immunodeficiency virus (type-1) production. Biochemical and
Biophysical Research Communications, 1994. 205(1), 967-75. "The
results suggest that thiamine disulfide may be important for AIDS
chemotherapy."
[22] Wallace AE, Weeks WB. Thiamine treatment of chronic hepatitis B
infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2001. 96(3), 864-868.
The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit
and non-commercial informational resource.
Editorial Review Board:
Damien Downing, M.D.
Harold D. Foster, Ph.D.
Steve Hickey, Ph.D.
Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D.
James A. Jackson, PhD
Bo H. Jonsson, MD, Ph.D
Thomas Levy, M.D., J.D.
Erik Paterson, M.D.
Gert E. Shuitemaker, Ph.D.
Erik Paterson, M.D.
Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D., Editor.
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WARNING FROM RAEL: For those who don't use their intelligence at its full
capacity, the label "selected by RAEL" on some articles does not mean that I
agree with their content or support it. "Selected by RAEL" means that I believe
it is important for the people of this planet to know about what people think or
do, even when what they think or do is completely stupid and against our
philosophy. When I selected articles in the past about stupid Christian
fundamentalists in America praying for rain, I am sure no Rael-Science reader
was stupid enough to believe that I was supporting praying to change the
weather. So, when I select articles which are in favor of drugs, anti-semitic,
anti-Jewish, racist, revisionist, or inciting hatred against any group or
religion, or any other stupid article, it does not mean that I support them. It
just means that it is important for all human beings to know about them. Common
sense, which is usually very good among our readers, is good enough to
understand that. When, like in the recent articles on drug decriminalization, it
is necessary to make it clearer, I add a comment, which in this case was very
clear: I support decriminalizing all drugs, as it is stupid to throw depressed
and sad people (as only depressed and sad people use drugs) in prison and ruin
their life with a criminal record. That does not mean that there is any change
to the Message which says clearly that we must not use any drug except for
medical purposes. The same applies to the freedom of expression which must be
absolute. That does not mean again of course that I agree with anti-Jews,
antisemites, racists of any kind or anti-Raelians. But by knowing your enemies
or the enemies of your values, you are better equipped to fight them. With love
and respect of course, and with the wonderful sentence of the French philosopher
Voltaire in mind: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death
your right to say it".
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"Ethics" is simply a last-gasp attempt by deist conservatives and
orthodox dogmatics to keep humanity in ignorance and obscurantism,
through the well tried fermentation of fear, the fear of science and
new technologies.
There is nothing glorious about what our ancestors call history,
it is simply a succession of mistakes, intolerances and violations.
On the contrary, let us embrace Science and the new technologies
unfettered, for it is these which will liberate mankind from the
myth of god, and free us from our age old fears, from disease,
death and the sweat of labour.
Rael
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