The flu virus in New York is on the rise and parents are asking the ultimate question whether to vaccinate thier children or simply risk it and hope for the best. This is the worst widespread flu in almost 10 years, with nearly every single state being affected.
Over 8,000 New Yorkers have now been infected with the dangerous flu virus and the numbers are expected to continue to increase over the next few weeks. Parents are getting concerned and are asking the crutial question that eveyone wants to know the ansnwer to. Do they vaccinate their children as well as themselves or avoid vaccination and take a chance they won’t catch the dangerous virus and spread it to their loved ones? This is a topic that’s been up for discussion and it’s on everyone’s agenda, especially this year.
The number of patients, young and old are presenting to hospitals nationwide with severe symptoms that have taken the lives of 53 children so far, including a 4 year old girl from New Jersey. A scary number, but are these statistics correct? Are New Yorkers and the rest of the country being frightened into getting the flu vaccine? People are left with unanswered questions as to who they should believe. Is this being driven by money? My gut feeling tells me it is. A completely made up story to scare the public into getting the vaccination that we know is not 100% affective but 100% of the time a money maker for the pharmaceutical companies.
There are numerous opinions out there starting with the CDC who are encouraging the vaccine to everyone over 6 months old, including the elderly and those with weak immune systems. There are also firm believers, including many healthcare professionals who claim flu vaccines will not protect your children 100% from getting the flu. They are also informing the public that the ingredients that are currently in the vaccine that are pushed into your body will have greater risk on your body in the long run. Even though doctors are encouraging the vaccine and advising patients that it will lesson the symtoms and the amount of time your child is sick.
Did you know that getting the flu vaccine will not guarantee you or your family from getting the flu? The flu vaccine does not ensure 100% effectiveness. Preventing the flu after getting vaccinated is merely 10%-30% effective according to experts. There’s still a huge risk of getting sick even after you’ve been vaccinated. There’s a huge chance that you may come in contact with someone that has been affected by a different strain of the flu, therefore getting one sick even with a flu vaccination.
The good news is, according to those individuals promoting the vaccine is the symptoms you will experience will be much less severe and the number of days you will be sick will decrease as well. Sounds like a good idea, but what’s in the flu vaccine that will prevent the people from experiencing these brutal symptoms? What are some of the ingredients that’s included in the vaccine, let us take a look.
According to The New York Times, who questioned the same theory asked the question we all want to hear the answer to? Is it still worth getting the flu vaccine? They say “This season, the flu vaccine is most protective against an H1NI, an H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage strain. Some vaccines also protect against a B/Yamagata lineage strain.”
Ingredients included in the flu vaccine today are:
Flu Strain A/(Michigan) (H1N1)
Flu Strain A/(Hong Kong) (H3N2)
Flu Strain B/(Brisbane)
Flu Strain B/(Phuket)
Formaldehyde
Aluminum Salts
Gelatin
Thimerosal
Chicken Egg Proteins
Antibiotics
Here are some preventatives to take in order to avoid the flu and reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading it to your family and friends.
Wash your hands as often as you can. This is especially crucial when dealing with small children, older adults and those with weak immune systems. When washing your hands thoroughly, make sure your not automatically grabing something in the rest room that could contaminate your hands before your even leave. This is especially crucial for those working in the medical field with constant patient contact that can’t be avoided.
Avoid being too close to those you feel are sick. The same rule applies to you. When you’re sick, avoid standing too close to those around you and distance yourself so to avoid passing the germ. Although this is hard to do living in New York City and taking mass transit to get to work. Avoid touching anything unnessary and try to cover your nose and mouth if your are able to do so. Using a scarf will do the trick.
Do your part by protecting others around you at work or anywhere you plan to go by staying home when you’ve got the flue. As the saying goes, It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Avoid toughing your eyes and nose or mouth. The germs are often spread by touching something that is contaminated with germs and then rubbing your eyes, nose or putting something into your mouth without first cleaning your hands.
It’s also recommended to keep your body healthy by getting plenty of sleep. Being more physically active and drinking prenty of water and other fluids.
The number one way to avoid spreading the virus and It’s been suggested by many is to avoid leaving your home if you’ve already got the flu and have seen your physician for proper medication.
Although some may call this a conspiracy and a way to continue to reduce population. Most believe there is something not quite right about this flu season with so many people suddenly being affected with so many that have already died from the virus, the numbers just continue to grow at a rapid speed. There’s really no way out of this mess for anyone except educate yourself on what preventative measures to use and when to seek medical attention when you know you’ve been affected.
Seeking medical attention immediately when noticing any sign of the flu is important. It is vital to see your physician as soon as your begin noticing signs of the flu such as fever, difficulty breathing, chills, body aches, headache and fatique . Take all necessary precautions early so to avoid any complications in the future.
The decision once again is completely individual. People know what is best for them and their families. No judgement should be placed on anyone for not practicing the same measures of dealing with inlfuenzaq this flu season or the flu season we are to expect in the future.
By: Ida L.
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