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H1N1 Flu Update – How Are We Doing?
| October 21, 2009 | |
| Dr. Gary Huber : Head Medical Ego |
Have you been brave enough to leave your basement? Following H1N1 on the news? Well here are the facts and figures thus far:
The H1N1 flu has been very active, spreading more quickly than the typical influenza A virus thus far this year. This is resulting in more hospitalizations and more deaths than expected for this time of year but the rate of deaths per infected individual is still perceived to be lower than for influenza A. This is a testament to the mild nature of this virus. I have spoken to many who have been tested positive for H1N1 and I am hearing of 2 to 3 days of ill effects with a rapid return to normal.
Sunday on the TV program 60 minutes they discussed this issue. They made it look very dramatic and very scary and this is a very serious topic but at the end of the program there is no new information or big surprises. They spoke of the 1918 flu pandemic that killed an estimated 50 million people and stated that this flu virus is “related” which might lead some to panic thinking that it’s “the same.” But let’s keep our heads and recall that it was 1918 and a war torn world was reeling from a world war that left people undernourished, in poor hygiene, and under huge stress that affected their immune system. They also mentioned that this vaccine is safe because it’s made the same way that typical flu vaccines are made. Well let’s recall that the largest vaccine study to date done by the Cochrane Collaborative reported that the traditional vaccine is very ineffective, performing poorly in all age groups, has no benefit to kids and only a 6% efficacy in adults. On top of this the standard flu vaccine leaves people with permanent neurologic problems, autoimmune disorders and countless medical issues that lead to millions of dollars in legal claims every year. Stating that this H1N1 is “the same process” does not inspire confidence.
There have been 86 pediatric deaths reported since April of this year to present. Tracking numbers since August, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 43 deaths total; comprised of 39 deaths from H1N1 and 4 deaths from typical influenza A in the pediatric population. The pediatric population is of particular interest, as this H1N1 seems to be having its greatest impact on those under the age of 25. It is felt that older individuals are benefiting from experience of prior flu exposures that are resulting in stronger immunity to the H1N1. Of these 43 deaths since August half of them submitted specimens to be cultured for bacterial infection and only 7 of these were positive. This lends evidence to say that the true cause of death is not bacterial pneumonia in the majority of cases.
The virus has been reported worldwide but the CDC reports NO cases being reported from the Virgin Islands. Perhaps the rum drinks with little umbrellas are having some benefit, or perhaps they are all too busy at the beach to report anything to the CDC. Personally I wonder if all that sun is affecting their vitamin D status and aiding their resistance. There are many experts and clinicians reporting that vitamin D may be a better option than the flu vaccine for avoiding the flu all together. Professor John White from Mcgill University has published papers discussing vitamin D’s ability to stimulate our immune system to generate antimicrobial peptides that protect us from invading pathogens like bacteria and virus’s such as H1N1. Vitamin D taken in larger doses than what we are used to can act as a biologic defense that is greater than the defense formed by the flu vaccine and without all the toxins such as mercury and formaldehyde (embalming fluid) that are contained in the vaccine.
Recently Dr. Mercola brought the following information to light:
A recent study published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that vaccinating young children against the flu appeared to have no impact on flu-related hospitalizations or doctor visits during two recent flu seasons. At first glance, the data did suggest that children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years derived some protection from vaccination in these years. But after adjusting for potentially relevant variables, the researchers concluded that “significant influenza vaccine effectiveness could not be demonstrated for any season, age, or setting” examined.
So the debate over the efficacy and benefit of the present H1N1 vaccine remains. Dr Russell Blaylock has reported that through his personal investigation he has yet to find ONE study where the manufacturers of the H1N1 vaccine have tested their completed vaccine on humans. It was tested only in pieces and never as a completed “packaged” vaccine. In reference to my previous reports, I still have severe reservations about this present vaccine. It has already been shown to cause irreversible neurologic damage to some of its recipients. Yes the odds are small but the vaccine has yet to be proven beneficial.
Just a quick reminder of what to look for and the nature of the symptoms you might expect.
Table: Symptoms of hospitalized novel H1N1 patients
Symptom Number (%)
This table is taken from the CDC website.
Locally, University Hospital is making the traditional flu vaccine mandatory for its employees. They are using “Fluvirin” which does contain mercury at a dose of 25 mcg per vaccine. If you are dosing mercury by weight then this dose is considered toxic according to the EPA standards, for anyone under 440 pounds. There is also a warning about Guillain-Barre, an irreversible neurologic disorder, on the package insert. A similar “mandatory vaccine” policy by hospitals in New York state was overturned when a judge declared it an infringement on the nurses personal rights. The New York State Nurses Association supported the ruling.
Lastly I want to remind you to take your vitamin C and vitamin D to support your immune system. Andrographis is a strong immune support as well for those of you around any flu outbreaks. See my flu protection report for more tips.
Let me be perfectly clear. With so much media hype I know that you are scared and confused and I do not wish to contribute to the confusion. This is a PERSONAL decision. There are bright, well intended professionals on both sides of this debate. You can’t make a wrong decision. Just go into this decision informed and make the choice that is right for you. I am still not subjecting my family to this vaccine. I have scientific evidence and faith that the measures I take will protect my family. I choose to have faith in my immune system supported by proper vitmin D, vitmin C and andrographis. These are known entities that have proven effect. I can’t make that statement about the H1N1 vaccine.
Whatever your choice I wish you good health as we weather this storm together.
Download Dr. Huber’s FREE report:
A User’s Guide to Avoiding or Fighting H1N1
Related:
Swine Flu (H1N1) – Part 1: How Worried Should You Be?
Swine Flu (H1N1) – Part 2: Should We Be Rushing an H1N1 Vaccine?
Swine Flu (H1N1 – Part 3: How Should You Protect Yourself?
H1N1 Flu Update No. 2: Surprising Numbers
[23 Comments] [23 Comments]
Dr Gary Huber
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Hi Dr. Huber, Great information as always… Thank you for keeping us updated. As a Mom of a 2 and 4 year old (who is not planning to vaccinate against the influenza and HINI) I am constantly reading about this topic and wanting to stay informed.
My question is about vitamin C. Right now I give my kids daily a probiotic, 4 DHA junior tablets and was wondering if I should add vit C to the mix? My 4 year old also takes the animal parade brand multi vitamin.
Thanks! JoAnne
Hi JoAnne,
Yes, I would add the vitamin C and vitamin D to the mix for at least the next 6 months while this H1N1 is running about. Vitamin D comes in a convenient liquid drop that is easy to give kids. I would give both of your kids 2000 units per day. I have found chewable vitamin C at the store in 500 mg doses which can be given once a day. My daughter thinks it’s a candy treat. The Animal Parade multi is a nice broad spectrum vitamin but not high enough in these important immune boosting nutrients during this particular flu season. Thanks for the great question, I hope you can steer clear of the flu this season.
Dr. Huber
I just had this conversation with a friend and said the same thing Dr. Huber said in his last paragraph including my family will not be getting the vaccine(s). Thank you for providing some balance to the discussion.
OK; what is the difference (this year) between “Influenza A” and “H1N1″?
I thought they were the same?
my daughter tested positive for A and I was told this was H1N1.
Dear Mom M,
H1N1 is just one form of influenza A. Each year several new influenza viruses appear world wide and the vaccine companies try to pick which strains of the new viruses will appear in the U.S. and then make a yearly flu vaccine in an attempt to prevent its spread. The accuracy of their guess is part of what makes up the success rate of the vaccine. Overall the success rate is not good as I have highlighted per the Cochrane Collaborative and other reports.
This year after the pharmaceutical companies had already made their yearly influenza A vaccine this new influenza variant called H1N1 arrived in Mexico and created a stir. So they rushed back to the lab in an attempt to rapidly produce a whole new vaccine to cover this outbreak. So we will have two (actually many more than 2) different flu’s going around from different flu bugs. It is impossible to tell them apart as symptoms are the same generic issues. There is a rapid test that can be done but it is only accurate about 60 to 70% of the time at best.
So there you have it, clear as mud. Your daughter has the flu. I hope you have given her some supportive agents to boost her immune response and I offer you my sincere wishes for a speedy recovery. Love her but don’t kiss her . . . for now.
Dr. Gary Huber
Hi Dr Huber~
Great information. I am 27 and 20 weeks pregnant and wondering if the complications of swine flu/influenza A virus are greater for pregnant women. People don’t agree with me not getting the H1N1 and flu vaccination because of the complications in pregnant women if they get it. What is your opinion? I read you flu prevention article, of those tips which are safe for pregnant women?
Thank you!!
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
The “authorities” say that a pregnant female is at greater risk and recommends a flu vaccine. If you choose to follow the standard advice then at least protect yourself from heavy metals by getting “monovalent” or single dose vaccine that will likely be free of mercury or aluminum. I really cringe at the thought of placing these elements into a developing fetus. The whole process of vaccination just is not natural. It is one thing to ingest some of these elements but quite another to inject them. Yes you are vulnerable but the effects of the vaccine are another assault on your body and fetus. A study just came out showing that of kids receiving vaccines there is a 155% increase of neurological disorders such as autism, ADD and ADHD. This study was in kids getting vaccines, not unborn fetuses but it highlights the connection. The whole idea that vaccine manufacturers are held free of any liability and that there is a VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) that reviews over 30 thousand reported cases per year, just screams at me that something is wrong with this whole system. I find it very scary and what makes it so scary is the secrecy, the governmental involvement, the special laws, the known cover ups. We don’t know what is going on because there is a ton of money being made and a lot of it being spent to cover up the mess. Now look what you’ve done Ashley, you have me on a rant.
The healthiest alternative you can pursue is to take probiotics to aid your bowel health which houses 70% of your entire immune function. Eat a clean diet with tons of organic vegetables and drink clean, filtered water out of non-plastic containers. Take vitamin C and lots of vitamin D. Not only are these elements safe for your baby they will improve your babies health. Andrographis is contraindicated in pregnancy. Get some exercise, avoid alcohol, laugh, and wash your hands. Yes these simple and boring truths will aid your immune response. I wish you and your baby well whatever your choice but my wife never received such a vaccine for the reasons I listed above.
Thanks for your question, I’m sure you’re not alone in this dilemma.
Dr. Gary Huber
Thank you, Dr. Gary Huber!
I was afraid that most people in Cincinnati will just believe the media hype and take the seasonal and H1N1 flu without doing further research.
Unfortunately, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is mandating seasonal flu vaccine and stating that if we refuse the vaccine (unless have sufficient medical reason not to take the vaccine)- we will be forced to look for employment elsewhere.
I remember the former nurse at Good Samaritan that took the small pox vaccine and was not compensated for the damage that occured to her.
Again, thanks for sharing this information. We all have to make informed decisions.
Check out NVIC.org (National Vaccine Information Center)
There are many doctors, nurses, health care workers and researchers that are not so supportive of mass vaccinations without proper scientific study and time period of testing.
I have chosen not to have my 16 yr old son vaccinated against the H1N1 virus. I personally do no feel enough research has gone into verifying that this particular vaccine is safe for human use. Another thing that it reminds me of is, “Jim Jones and the drinking of the kool-aid”. That scares me more than this virus.
I think as Dr. Huber has posted the table from the CDC, before you decide not to vaccinate and protect your kids based on Dr. Huber’s advice, you should read through the CDC’s entire website. There is no doubt that vaccines save lives and prevent illness. Millions of people receive vaccines with no ill effects. As with any medical treatment individuals need to weigh the risks and benefits. I think many of you would feel differently if you could remember the time prior to the polio vaccine and you have benefited from if not the vaccination of your own children, the vaccination of others in the community.
Hi Jodie,
I agree. Vaccines when intelligently designed and used can offer us protection from things such as polio. And I also agree 100% that we could all benefit from reading the CDC’s website but the reality is that most people don’t have the time to digest such information. We rely on others to help us navigate confusing issues. This website is meant as an aid to shed light on details that often go unnoticed. Our goal is to INFORM the reader so that they have a broader view of the issues so they can make an intelligent decision. I don’t make decisions for others. My role is to provide factual insight that allows you to chose what feels right for you. Vaccines can help and vaccines can kill and I live in a country where free choice is still an option. Thank you for shedding your light on this topic, diversity is healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Huber
This is a very personal and difficult decision, for which there is no black and white answer. So sure, read the CDC website, but don’t stop there. Their survey executions and data have been subject to criticisms from various consumer groups.
In the end, some will surely benefit from vaccines, some will be harmed. When I watched 60 Minutes on Sunday even the rep from the CDC acknowledged that only 1/10th of 1% of those who are exposed to the H1N1 virus will suffer the tragic effects we see on the news. For my family, a rushed vaccine isn’t worth the risk. I’ve had 3 families close to me suffer and recover from confirmed cases of H1N1. One included a youngster with asthma. All recovered well within a week and were surprised it was as mild as it was. Is everyone so fortunate? Of course not, but weigh your odds carefully.
Perhaps the polio vaccine saved lives, but I don’t think it’s as simple as that. My problem with vaccines is the sheer quantity and poor testing protocols vaccines go through today. Do your homework – it’s pathetic.
Remember this – in 1983 the CDC recommended 10 vaccines for kids up to 5 years of age. Now that same child is subject to 36 recommended vaccines. Look at the increases in autism and ADHD from that same period. One non-profit reporting agency did a comparison of vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated boys in California and Oregon and found the vaccinated group had 185% increases in neurological disorders and 279% more ADHD.
I’m not advocating not vaccinating children at all – but there is no way I would subject my kids to all of them and certainly not in the schedule recommended (which is often multiple vaccines at once, a factor that no vaccine trial covers.). Weigh the odds, educate yourself and God bless!
My question is that my two sons have been ill with the H1N1 flu this week. Some doctors are still recommending the get the vaccine when it is available at their school. I do not want a repeat of this week, however, why would they still need the vaccine when they’ve already had the flu?
Hi Ann,
I’m sorry to hear that your sons have acquired the flu and I hope their recovery is swift. There are multiple strains of flu virus in the community. If your sons had the standard flu virus then they can still get the H1N1 flu strain. Did they get any tests to confirm which flu they had?
Perhaps this is what your doctor is addressing with his recommendation for the flu vaccine. If they were indeed confirmed H1N1 cases then I can’t find any supporting data to suggest an H1N1 vaccine is warranted.
Good luck,
Dr. Gary Huber
I’m confused. First you say that the TV program ‘60 minutes’ is using scary data from 1918 to scare us about H1N1 and you seem to indicate that this is bad, yet then you say, “On top of this the standard flu vaccine leaves people with permanent neurologic problems, autoimmune disorders and countless medical issues that lead to millions of dollars in legal claims every year.” You say this last idea as though it happens to anyone who gets the flu vaccine, when in fact it is a very very small percentage. Who is using scare tactics now? How incredibly unbalanced.
Then you say,” You can’t make a wrong decision.” But then suggest that getting the vaccine is “subjecting” your family to something horrible.
You have a medical degree, which means many people trust you. You should be ashamed for not putting a more balanced set of information out there, IF you really feel people should make an informed decision. Then again, most people don’t actually want to think for themselves, think doctors are magical and just want to be told what to do.
Dear Erin,
You seemed angered by something. This website is an educational outreach. You don’t need me to tell you to get a vaccine, the media and thousands of other outlets related to the government and big business are more than happy to do that. What I hope to accomplish is balance by presenting people with some of the facts that are not being displayed in public. So despite your ill wishes I am not ashamed, I am in fact proud to work in an effort to expose a broader picture. I am always very appreciative when someone provides me with some hidden information that aids my understanding of an issue. Whether you get a vaccine or not is your personal issue and I am not your personal physician so my role is simply to educate. The decision is yours. And yes I said that you can’t make a wrong decision because if you have looked at the entire issue than only YOU know what is right for you. Even your personal physician can’t make that decision for you.
I have not told anyone at any time either to get or avoid the vaccine. I have discussed the history and exposed some of the negative aspects of vaccines. I have also offered some rational, scientifically based alternative to those choosing to protect themselves without the use of an untested vaccine. I have also highlighted some myths about vaccines regarding their safety and efficacy. If that information is of some help in your decision to vaccinate then this makes me happy. If you find this information useless then disregard it.
I wish you well through this flu season,
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Huber
Dr. Huber:
Just found your site and love it! My questions is about swine flu vaccine for my 24 yr. old (healthy, college student) son who is a quadraplegic (incomplete C-4/5, post 2000) injury from freshwater jellyfish stings, transverse myelitis, spinal cord infarct.
He has received the seasonal vaccines and pneumovax over the last 8 years with no side effects. His physiatrist, who is also a quad is planning on getting this vaccine. He recommended my son do so as well because of his decreased lung function (exhaling). I’m torn over this..what’s your OPINION??? Thanks so much.
Dear Cathy,
I’m just trying to get past the 2nd sentence in your comment. I can’t imagine what the two of you have lived through but I know I am talking to a strong and very brave individual. Your 24 year old son is going to do something incredible with that college education so please keep me informed as he blazes his trail.
On to your question: you pose a very unique perspective. I have repeatedly told people that it is the immunologically compromised that really cause me concern. Your son likely has an adequate immune response but with the respiratory issue it does draw concern. If he should catch the flu then his inability to clear respiratory secretions increases the possibility of a bacterial infection along with the viral respiratory infection. Let’s weigh the pros and cons in your son’s case.
The H1N1 vaccine is being made by 4 different manufacturers. Both attenuated (live but wounded) virus and inactivated (dead) virus vaccines are available. Typically the inactivated vaccines are recommended for people “at risk” such as those with immune compromise, respiratory problems, the very young, and pregnant females. I don’t know why I needed to add the word females to that last sentence. I guess pregnant males could also apply and we need to be all inclusive in these politically correct times. I believe there are to be “monovalent” vaccines available and these are “single dose” vaccines that should be free of heavy metals such as mercury (thimerosal) and aluminum. There was one manufacturer mentioned on the CDC site named CSL Limited out of Australia that was making an inactivated, monovalent vaccine which would be the safest option. The CDC reports that the H1N1 vaccines are being made without “adjuvants” which I am happy to hear as these adjuvants can be very problematic and cause a lot of the side effect seen with vaccines. Despite this relatively clean vaccine the CDC still warns of Guillain-Barre possibility with this vaccine.
The standard Infuenza A vaccine however is still being made with heavy metals in most cases and also may contain adjuvants. The CDC reports that the majority of influenza A vaccines contain thimerosal and go on to report that it is safe to give this to pregnant females (and pregnant males) as well as children. This is where the CDC and I part company. Thimerosal is not healthy for anyone in my opinion but given your son’s position this may be an acceptable risk to weigh against the possible benefit. The possibility of a neurological side effect is present but very small.
His immune system needs to be supported even if he gets a vaccine and this means addressing his bowel function and supporting him with probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin C, and perhaps andrographis. If he has a good diet and healthy immune system then his odds of avoiding the flu all together is much better. So bottom line, if you chose to vaccinate then make sure you are getting a monovalent, inactivated vaccine, preferably without adjuvants such as squalene.
One final thought: the H1N1 vaccine is more likely to be effective as the virus is known but the standard influenza A vaccine still is a guess and we de don’t know how well the manufacturers guessed this year. Historically it has been a crap shoot. If you were to pick just one vaccine then I would favor the H1N1. It may be hard to locate.
I wish you well,
Dr. Gary Huber
This is misinformation. The Cochrane Collaborative did NOT report that traditional flu vaccine is ineffective. To the contrary, their review (last updated in 2006) on the efficacy of influenza vaccines for healthy adults states the following conclusion: “Influenza vaccines are effective in reducing cases of influenza, especially when the content predicts accurately circulating types and circulation is high.”
Of course flu vaccines do not prevent influenza from viruses other than that which is in the vaccine, but determining which virus variants will circulate is a “best guess” situation a year ahead of time. Source: http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001269.html
In the case of H1N1, the virus strain is known, not predicted, so it is reasonable to believe that the vaccines will be 80% effective in preventing H1N1 flu transmission among those who receive the vaccine.
Also, again, a Cochrane review indicates that Vitamin C has no effect in reducing transmission of the common cold. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab000980.html I would like to know what evidence backs Dr. Huber’s statement that it will somehow prevent people from getting H1N1.
Jen,
I do not know the extent of your research but as I began to compile a list of citations from various reports I realized that the complexity of this issue is such that depending on your desired outcome your choices or interpretation could be very different. Yes the flu vaccine will protect some people from getting the flu but just exactly what that percentage is remains highly debatable. Debating the literature is beyond the focus of this website. I can refer you to Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s book “Saying No to Vaccines, A resource Guide for All Ages,” page 184 for her reference on Cochrane’s work. I consider Dr. Tenpenny’s work very important as she has brought some rational thought to this issue and is considered an expert in the field. I think the larger issue which is what I have been looking at is “how much risk for immune complications and toxin load” do I have to accept in order to gain “some protection” from the flu virus? Is the risk worth the gain?
Click this link for just a few citations:
The other issue you raised with regard to the use of vitamin C is much more straightforward. You highlighted ONE article that attempted to address ONE issue with regard to vitamin C but that hardly begins to answer the question of vitamin C ‘s role in your immune function. There are literally thousands of articles demonstrating vitamin C’s tremendous impact on immune function. I would recommend a visit to Google Scholar for starters. A quick search there may open a few new doors for you.
I wish you well through this difficult flu season and thanks for your interest in this topic.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary Huber
great article…still sitting on the fence re my 17th month old that may have asthma….i have been boosting him up for over three months with vitamin D (400 iu daily), muliti and at times a probiotic…but my husband is concerned and wants to vacinate him due to his asthma (undiagnosed but he is on a puffer and coughs at night)….thoughts?
so sorry one more VERY important question…i have severe allegies to seafood (anaphalatic) and limited to fish…my husband also has allergies to seafood just not as severe…..that being said, both my sons have not been tested but im afraid to give them the vaccine with the adjavent due to a possible reaction….is this a warranted fear?
thx again
Hi Lisa,
According the CDC website, the four manufacturers of H1N1 vaccine are not using adjuvants as earlier thought. I have not been able to find a list of the elements of these vaccines so I am forced to believe the CDC for now.
Have your sons ever eaten fish to know if they are allergic? Food allergies are not hereditary in nature. If you choose to vaccinate them then seek a thimerosal free “monovalent” single dose vaccine which will reduce some of the risk associated with vaccines. We know that 1 in a million (and that is a conservative number) will get an irreversible neurological disorder as the direct result of a vaccine. The decision to vaccinate should be made only after considering the pros and cons. If you have read the discussions above then you probably know more than most people.
For you and your husband, the fact that you have a strong reaction to fish demonstrates an unbalanced immune response and you would benefit from resolving this. Testing for IgG and IgE food allergens as well as a test for heavy metals may point you in the right direction. Resolving these issues can restore your immune system to a more balanced function. It sounds like you need the help of an integrative care physician who can help you with these issues. Most traditional physicians are not educated in the field of heavy metal testing and detoxification. Even allergists that are trained in food allergies don’t always agree with each other on how to handle these issues. I have seen remarkable changes in peoples lives when they simply remove gluten and milk products from their diet as these are two very common offenders. This is a giant topic but I recommend starting somewhere such as the book, “Gluten Free for Dummies”. A very basic guide to addressing wheat in the diet and why it is such a problem. See my article on this website regarding gluten “Gassy, Bloated and Squirt . . . oh my.” Yes, it is a classy title.
I wish you well,
Dr. Gary Huber