H1N1: The Fever to Vaccinate

As the H1N1 virus pandemic continues to infect people and move towards its peak, we’re seeing another fever emerge – the burning need to get one of the few doses of vaccines dangling within or without the public’s reach. As stories of its scarcity continue, people are becoming desperate to get on the bandwagon of vaccinating. Rather than coming down with a bad case of vaccination fever, however, take a moment to consider just how necessary this vaccine is for you or your family. 

For people whose health or immune system is significantly compromised or have a history of chronic lung issues, then getting the vaccine is probably a good idea. Anyone whose system is too weak to defend itself against an illness should be in line for the shot. But this makes up a small percentage of us; most of us, including babies, children and pregnant women, have active and able immune systems with the natural resources to overcome this illness without suffering lasting ill effects. 

At this point, many people have already contracted the H1N1 virus and recovered, which means they have developed a natural, life-long immunity. This is why people over the age of 65 are less likely to contract the H1N1 - they were around the last time a similar strain circulated and consequently are naturally more protected now. So if you or your child already came down with the flu, then you don’t need the vaccine because you have developed immunity all by yourself. For those who have somehow avoided exposure, the vaccine may give immunity to this specific virus for a certain length of time but it won’t be forever – next time it or one like it emerges, you will be susceptible. Getting a virus and recovering gives your immune system a strengthening opportunity and leads to life-long immunity. 

If the H1N1 had proven to be an extremely dangerous influenza, then that would be another reason to line up for the vaccine. However all reports from our medical experts are telling us that this is not a “killer” influenza. Of the few people who have died, most had serious, previously existing health issues which compromised their systems. The majority of people who get the H1N1 experience it like a normal seasonal influenza. They are sick, take the time to get well, and within a week or so can resume their normal lives. 

Lest we think the H1N1 vaccine is the only way to avoid contracting the illness, this is not so. There are many wonderful herbal anti-virals, homeopathic remedies and other natural supplements proving very effective in keeping people healthy. One of the newest discoveries (as yet unproven except anecdotally, see www.vitamindcouncil.org) is that taking increased doses of vitamin D daily (at least 1,000 iu’s) offers excellent protection, especially as we enter the dark time of year when our exposure to natural sunlight is greatly diminished. 

And last but not least, even though the medical profession continues to reassure us on the safety of the H1N1 vaccine, we cannot know this as an absolute. Unless you receive an adjuvant-free vaccine, you are getting a dose of Thimerosol (Mercury). It has been claimed that the amount is similar to eating a can of tuna fish and therefore benign. However people who eat tuna fish on a very regular basis often show signs of mercury toxicity; as well, there is a big difference in giving that amount to a 180 lb. adult and giving it to a 20 lb. baby or 40 lb. child. Years ago thimerosol was removed from all children’s vaccines for a reason – it is a toxic chemical that has dangerous side effects and was finally deemed inappropriate to be given to children. And yet the influenza vaccine has it, partly as a way to “stretch” the limited amount of H1N1 virus available last spring to make the massive numbers of vaccines individual governments demanded. So while babies and young children are at the front of the line to receive the vaccine, unless you wait for the adjuvant-free version, you are injecting a significant amount of a very toxic substance into some of the most vulnerable members of our society. 

Vaccinations do have a place in our world, and in helping protect against serious, life-threatening diseases, may be indicated. However as time goes on and this influenza proves itself to be nothing more than a highly communicable but non-life-threatening illness, we should all step back and assess just how beneficial getting in line for that vaccination is for our over-all health, both today and in the future.

Susan Drury, RSHom(NA), CCH is a classically trained homeopath who practices on the North Shore. She regularly offers seminars teaching people how to prevent and treat influenza using natural and homeopathic remedies. To contact her or register for the next seminar, call 604-671-7863. Her website is www.healinglifehomeopathy.com