Each year millions of Americans get the flu.  In fact, the CDC estimates that anywhere from 5% to 20% of the US population will become infected each year.  These infections will lead to roughly 200,000 hospitalizations and anywhere from 3,000 up to about 49,000 deaths.  To combat this virus, the CDC recommends that all Americans, except those who are less than 6 months of age or immune-compromised, receive an annual flu vaccine.

Manufacturers of the flu vaccine distribute around 200,000,000 vaccines each year in the US.  The CDC estimates that 45% of the population is getting vaccinated.  This generates around $2,000,000,000 in revenues, according to a report by CNBC.

With revenues so high, it’s no surprise that manufacturers and the CDC are always pushing more of us to get the flu vaccine.  But, does the vaccine work?  And, what are the risks?  We’re told it’s safe.  But, by who’s standards?  And, what about long term testing to determine if it’s safe to get the shot year after year after year?

According to the National Vaccine Information Center (NCIV), there are more questions than answers.  NCIV also cites risks which seem to be ignored by the vaccine’s manufacturers and the CDC.

Most people who get the flu vaccine would probably be surprised to learn that the effectiveness is sometimes quite low.  CDC indicates that effectiveness is all over the place, but hasn’t been above 60% in recent years.  And, if you think 60% sucks, it was down to 10% in the 2004-2005 flu season.  On average, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is around 40%.

At this point, it may be worth mentioning that the flu vaccine does not prevent anyone from becoming infected with the flu virus.  Instead, the vaccine works to build your antibodies so that you have enough on hand to tackle or reduce the symptoms should you become infected.

In a study done to determine if ginseng helped the development of flu antibodies following vaccine, 227 participants in Milan, Italy received the vaccine.  About half of the participants were given daily doses of ginseng.  Of those not taking the ginseng supplement, about 37% got the flu.  This is worth repeating.  About 37% of those who got the flu vaccine, still got the flu.

Flu Vaccine Table Sapphire Botanica

So, if you’re thinking that 40% effectiveness sounds better than nothing, well mathematically, you’re correct.  But, you’re still ignoring the risks.  According to CDC, vaccines may include some pretty nasty ingredients such as:
Aluminum: Linked to Alzheimer’s and Cancer
Antibiotics: Overuse of antibiotics is linked to the growth of super bugs which are resistant to medications.
Egg Protein: Typically considered safe but may be an allergen risk.
Formaldehyde: Known to cause respiratory issues, cancer, and death.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Considered safe, but many people report allergic reactions.
Thimerosal: This is mercury.  It is well documented to be harmful to the central nervous system, immune system, various organs, and is known to cause death.  Many people believe it may be a component leading to autism.

Are there effective alternatives to getting the flu vaccine?  Dr Frederick R. Klenner noted over 50 years ago, that high doses of vitamin C very rapidly arrested flu symptoms as well as the symptoms of other viruses.  As with the flu vaccine, the vitamin C did not prevent the flu.  It only eliminated the symptoms.  Another homeopathic remedy may be high doses of vitamin D3.  Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg reports, “In those patients who do have influenza, we have treated them with the vitamin D hammer, as coined by my colleague. This is a 1-time 50,000 IU dose of vitamin D3 or 10,000 IU 3 times daily for 2 to 3 days. The results are dramatic, with complete resolution of symptoms in 48 to 72 hours. One-time doses of vitamin D at this level have been used safely and have never been shown to be toxic.”

Whether you’re in favor of the flu vaccine or more homeopathic treatment options, the best preventative measure remains to be frequent hand washing.  As the old saying from Benjamin Franklin goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

CBD Isolate

Click to See More

CBD Wellness Products

Click to See More

CBD Pet Products

Click to See More