Did You Get a Flu Shot and Still Get Sick? Here’s Why
You did your due diligence and received a flu vaccine this year. Congratulations, you’re one of the estimated 36 percent of people to have gotten the shot or nasal spray so far this flu season. So why are you feeling achy, exhausted, congested, feverish and generally lousy?
There are many factors at play here, including that the flu shot is no where close to 100 percent effective at preventing the virus.

Vials of flu vaccine are displayed at the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston, Mass. (Photo: AP/Charles Krupa)
“There are any number of reasons why people could have done all the right things and still get the flu,” Massachusetts’Β head of the bureau of infectious diseases, Kevin Cranston, said, according to the Associated Press.
This season the flu is already considered “widespread” in nearly all states. Some cites, like Boston, have officially declared it a public health emergency. Boston has seenΒ 700 confirmed cases of the flu, compared with 70 all of last season, with 18 flu-related deaths so far.

A sign in the entry of the the Mayo Clinic Health System hospital in Mankato, Minn., spells out visitor restrictions that have been implemented to curb the spread of influenza. (Photo: AP/Mankato Free Press, John Cross)
The CDC said the proportion of people visiting health care providers with flu-like symptoms climbed from 2.8 percent to 5.6 percent in four weeks. By contrast, the rate peaked at only 2.2 percent during the relatively mild 2011-12 flu season.Β The estimated rate of flu-related hospitalizations in the U.S. was 8.1 per 100,000 people, which is high for this time of year, according to Dr. Joe Bresee, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch of the CDC’s influenza division.

(Image: CDC)
Watch this report from CBS regarding Boston’s situation with the flu outbreak:
But why does it seem to be so virulent this year? The most popular strain identified this season is Type A influenza H3N2, which isΒ historically associated with more serious illnesses. It is also among the strains covered by the flu vaccine.
But as Cranston said “noΒ vaccine is 100 percent effective.” One reason is the lag time between vaccination and active immunity. A person who received a flu shot but comes in contact with the virus before the vaccine becomes effective — between 10 days and two weeks — they are still susceptible to becoming ill.
Recent studies have shown that the flu vaccine as a whole is only about 59 percent effective at preventing the illness. NRP pointed out that the vaccine appears to be less effective for the elderly, which is a population often highly encouraged to receive the shot in the first place.

Children and the elderly are among those most recommended for the flu shot. Four-year-old Gabriella Diaz sits as registered nurse Charlene Luxcin, right, administers a flu shot at the Whittier Street Health Center in Boston. (Photo: AP/Charles Krupa)
Another reason someone might contract the flu even after receiving vaccination is if the strain they were infected with wasn’t included in the vaccine in the first place. Each year, virus experts select the strains most likely to cause illness that year to include in the flu shot. This year the World Health Organization recommended including the three following strains in vaccines for use in the northern hemisphere:
- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus (from the B/Yamagata lineage of viruses).
Even though the flu vaccine might have its flaws, the CDC says it’s still the most effective method at preventing the flu and recommends people receive it either in shot or nasal spray form. Whether or not you receive the vaccine, the CDC also points to a few other ways to prevent and/or stop the spread of the virus:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use anΒ alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
The CDC said 18 children have died from the flu so far this season. While it doesn’t keep a tab of deaths overall from the flu, the CDC estimates that 24,000 Americans die each year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.Β
In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isnβt really about controlling guns at all; itβs about controlling us. Find out more HERE.
















































































































sister1_rm
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 6:56pmIn my opinion, if you have a history of swift and natural recovery from illnesses that cause flu symptoms, you probably don’t need the shot. The shot works for some an not for others because each of us has a unique body chemistry. I won’t give the flu shots to my kids. They’re tough as iron most of the time and rarely get sick. When they do get sick, I observe first, treat only if neccesary with gentle herbals first, OTC drugs second, and doctor only after several days of no improvement, or child in medical danger. They usually are symptom free within five days. If we knew what our great grandparents knew about life and death and common illnesses, we wouldn’t “need” so many vaccinations.
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AGood
Posted on January 11, 2013 at 10:43amI agree…Does anyone know what the statistics are for deaths with people that got the flu shot as opposed to ones that did not?? I am interested to know if anyone has that info..
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1digger
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 6:54pmProbably because they don’t work – “No Value in Any Influenza Vaccine: Cochrane Collaboration Study” http://gaia-health.com/gaia-blog/2012-10-05/no-value-in-any-influenza-vaccine-cochrane-collaboration-study/
Yet U.S. government panel now pushing annual “vaccinations for all!” No exceptionsβ¦
http://www.naturalnews.com/029081_vaccinations_public_health.html#ixzz2HDEjEt2e
Control and conform or else…now get your shots…it’s ‘good for you’…signed Big Brother…because we care.
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bumfuzeled
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:11pmCheck the CDC web site yearly, on average 30,000 people per year die from the flu and its complications. Not just the elderly, not just the chronically ill but healthy young adults die of the flu. There are preparations out there without Thimerisol. If lyou are paranoid about mercury, find the one not containing the thimerisol. I can’t believe the upset caused by the death of 20 children but no outrage over the deaths of 20 children so far this year from a vaccine preventable disease.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:26pmhow many NON-chronically ill and NON-elderly people die each year from the flu?
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Bodacious_Boedi
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 4:16pmThe only thing I don’t like about The Blaze, and The Daily Caller for that matter, is the 10% ratio of Alex Jones wackos who keep perpetuating these urban horror stories.
As one poster put it, I too was in the military when flu shots first hit the scene but I had enough stripes and was running my own shop that I quickly claimed “too busy” but diligently sent my troops. I finally did get a flu shot post discharge after being cornered at the VA and it was the sickest winter I’ve ever had.
Now, I tried the shot again three years ago and have subsequently had very good luck with them.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:13pmThey love to talk about Godβs plan for this country but they discount Godβs creation: the amazing human body.
Newsflash: the flu is natural and the fewer unnatural things we put into our bodies β the better. This is not rocket science. Folks who listen to Glenn Beck know the government sells you a mountain of lies all the time β this is no different.
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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:56pmI will never get a flu shot, by passing the body and its built in protection mechanism is asking for trouble? Every year we hear about people that get the flu shot, get sick. Here is a simple remedy, eat a well burnt steak (carbon to soak up the bad bacteria) then all you have to do is eat some fresh fruit (reactivate your good bacteria)?
Slap back the wack?
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nobummer12
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:33pmFlu shots are another scam. Murcury lead aluminum and other toxic garbage. Only morons still believe in shots these days.
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DadRocked
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:44pmIn the mid-70s I was in the USAF. Mandatory shots for, I think, swine flu. My scheduled shifts didn’t work for me to get the shot. They never noticed. A lot of others who had it had medical problems soon after. I stayed healthy.
Maybe it’s my immune system but I have never had any suggested/mandated shots.
I hardly ever, if never, get sick.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:19pmHere goes Theblaze β perpetuating a mythβ¦..Unless you are old and could die any day – flu shots are completely unnecessary folks. So are most vaccines.
This is one of those issues that Glenn Beck refuses to consider. It makes sense because Glenn also shrugs off any health information because he simply just does not care β or he would rather not know. But you are not Glenn and you cannot afford the best medical treatment. Research and question with boldness the following:
-Optimal diet of man
-Genetically modified foods
-Fluoride in drinking water
-overconsumption of milk / benefits of raw milk
-what is up with all the food allergies???
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bumfuzeled
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:15pmeducate yourself before you make a bigger fool of yourself. If you would like to give medical advice, graduate from medical school otherwise STFU.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:29pmeveryone should question with boldness…..unless you just want to be told what to do
most people do not need the flu shot and most kids these days get too many unnecessary vaccines. Do you know that they vaccinate for chicken pox? Do you know they vaccinate for STDs? They vaccinate for diseases that are so rare, they are hardly seen even in 3rd world countries
Please, tell me where i am wrong
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kturn16
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 11:25pmsoybomb you are spot on..the CDC intentionally combines the death from flu AND pneumonia statistics to make it sound worse than it is….I do work in Medicine and the flu shot is a big hoax…All one needs to do is maintain good nutrition from nutrient dense, non-gmo foods, optimal Vitamin D levels and on the rare occasion one starts to feel run down, there are plenty of natural cures like: Garlic, oregano oil, olive leaf extract. In addition a low carb, low sugar diet also leads to better health.
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WiredRight
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:54pmNo! I did my due diligence and that’s why I will not get a flu vaccine this year or any year.
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h20sue
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:30pmI begged my husband to get a flu shot as I was afraid he’d bring it home. He did. He didn’t listen, and he was so, so, sick, he said…”I really messed up, I should have listened, but next year, I will be first in line.”
Our doctor said there were so many strains of flu, you still might get something. Well, we got it BIG TIME, and for those who think they can beat it….YOU’RE WRONG! We took all the necessary precautions from eating well, taking vitamins, drinking green teas, honey, V-8 with additional vitamins, fruits, veggies, and if you don’t get a flu shot…..you need to have your head examined! We’ve been so sick, and doc put us on steroids, two antibiotics, and we stayed away from family and friends. We were out of work for one week, and trust me in this economy you can’t afford to miss work! We are still recooperating and have no energy.
Doc said, once you have it you need not get a flu shot, but they expect it to be around until spring. OUCH!
Please go get a flu shot if you haven’t. I don’t wish this mess on my dog, much less strangers. You’ll be glad you did. If you have a slight fever, stay the heck home and don’t infect your co-workers or loved ones.
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blanco5
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:38pmI’m going to run out and get mine now b/c YOU told me to!
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The_Jerk
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 5:37pmH2O, antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses. So, the two rounds were a waste. And, never heard of using steroids for the flu either.
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Jessxo1
Posted on January 11, 2013 at 11:20amYeah well i never read anything in this paragraph about washing hands all the time which is the only REAL way to prevent the flu. I never got one and never will & neither will my 3 year old son. They’re pointless. it doesnt do anything. You’re husband obviously caught it and didn’t wash his hands before touching his face. The news needs to stop pushing the flu shot and start pushing people to WASH THEIR SICK HANDS WHEN THEY ARE SICK lol common sense is the way to fight the flu. I can’t believe so many people get the flu shot just because the dr. says so there are websites and even doctors saying they don’t completely work..maybe a little bit is it really worth the risk of putting that garbage in your body? Not to me.. to each their own but ugh i’m totally against it. I bet you we would see a lot of decrease in diseases in 30 years if everyone just stopped getting one .. I think america should try that experiment.
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OniKaze
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:24pmI don’t know about any of you, but whenever I GET a flu shot, I get the flu shortly there-after… The years I don’t get a flu shot, I can be around people with the flu, and I still don’t catch it…
I haven’t had a flu shot in over 6 years, and I NEVER intend to get one again… I have a perfectly healthy immune system, and I don’t need to be forced to catch a bug I will not catch otherwise..
Flu shots are fools or those with weak immune systems that need the ‘boost’ in order to help fight the flu… And not needed for people that have a working immune system..
Sure, my opinion may not be agreed with by some medical doctors, but the facts speak for themselves (in my case)..
Get a flu shot = Catch the Flu Guaranteed..
Don’t get the flu shot = Decent chance of NOT getting the flu…
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blanco5
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:43pmSo at what point will prez islama mandate the flu shot or executive order it?
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SharonIsCaring
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:59pmDid you know they put the H1N1 (I think that’s how you say it) in, together w/ flu shot.
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Blazen420
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:52pmNo thanks, I’ll risk it. I’d rather take other precautions.
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mfspradley79
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:20pmMy daughter has a chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and our doctors highly recommend that she receive the flu vaccine each year and she has to take the shot (no nasal spray). She was vaccinated in October and one December night she started running fever. We can’t take any risk with her as lung infections put her in the hospital so I took her to the pediatrician first thing the next morning. As luck would have it she had the flu. They immediately started her on Tamiflu and she was back to her normal self within a couple days. We felt very blessed that she rebounded so well!!
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The_Jerk
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:28pmTo be sure, there are specific patient’s with underlying chronic conditions that should receive the flu vaccine, but, in general, this is all hype.
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RaydocX
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:10pmFlu shots are a perfect example of bureaucracy ignoring facts and reality.
there were not sufficient doses a few years ago, so millions of ‘extra’ doses were demanded and stocked away…
but the flu changes EVERY YEAR… the strains very from fall to late winter.
and mose cases occur in the mid to late winter.
considering the maximal efficacy of the innoculation is in the few months after it is given, the rush to get immunized in early fall means immunity may be waning when it’s truly ‘flu season’ AND that the wrong strains may have been targeted.
but the local hospital, falling in line with Government regulators, has demanded all physicians/nurses/ caregivers receive the immunization, and wear a sticker proving it on their nametag… ignoring the tiny fraction but real number of cases of Guillan Barre attributed to immunizations in adults, and ignoring the problems with timing and strains that may render the effort useless.
No apply that… government demanded ‘action’ without consideration to all facts or outcomes to ALL of medicine… it’s coming to your doctor now, thanks to Obamacare… Apply it to gun ‘control’ where the firearm left in the car is now being demonized and the law abiding citizen the target of a political ‘immunization.’
Seeing a common thread here? Big Government is only good for Big Government. It impacts every area of your life, as insidiously as the flu…
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Priscilla King
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:40pmNo flu shots for me…I can see why the aged and immune-compromised would want them, but as an active healthy adult I feel much, much safer just letting the virus do what it does for me (usually I do feel tired and cranky for a day or two after exposure) and getting it over with. We should be actively supporting the nurses who reject the flu.
(Btw my mother, at 78, is an active healthy home nurse who says no to flu shots.)
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moreteaplease
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:49pmIt’s from the secret government aerial spraying program. Got to see if Obamocare will really work. (sarc)
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jcldwl
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:13pm“You did your due diligence and received a flu vaccine this year.”
This opening line concerns me. I don’t and never have believed it is my due diligence to let anyone inject something into my body. Poor choice for an opening sentence to this story.
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subic
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:47pmBig pharma & the govt don’t care what happens to us as long as they get their profits from this life threatening/brain damaging scam.
1. FLUZONE by Sanofi Pasteur (FDA link)
** Toxic Ingredients **
Formaldehyde: Carcinogen
Octylphenol Ethoxylate: Immunotoxin
Thimerosal: Neurotoxin
2. FLUVIRIN by Novartis (FDA link)
** Toxic Ingredients **
Beta-Propiolactone: Carcinogen
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate: Immunotoxin
Neomycin: Immunotoxin
Polymyxin: Neurotoxin
Thimerosal: Neurotoxin
Flu shots are also linked to Alzhiemers and are hazardous to your health.
http://www.riseearth.com/2012/10/flu-vaccine-ingredients-as-lethal-as.html#more
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SocialistSlayer
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:01pmMy mother got Guillain-Barre syndrome after taking the flu Shot – Paralyzed from the neck down –
Flu Shots are a Scam – Take at your own risk ! It does nothing to protect you from the latest flu strain as it is 3 years old! You need to be exposed to disease to build up your bodies immunity !
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Joseph2
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:07pmI don’t know what’s in it but you couldn’t pay me enough to get a flu shot. Never had one and never will. I’d consider it an attempted homocide should anyone mandate a needle I didn’t directly ask for. I also don’t believe a word these Zombies say. There’s a huge explosion coming to this country that hasn’t been seen since the 1860′s in my opinion. The Obamaphiles are going to have to go. They just won’t leave people alone. Sad but true.
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subic
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:21pmYes SLAYER, I meant to mention Guillain-Barre Syndrome. There of thousands if not millions that contracted it after getting flu-shots. DO NOT GET A FLU SHOT!
I have been escorted out of a particular drug store chain for warning the sheep standing in line to get poisioned, lol
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Bub47
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:23pmWhen I had my physical they asked if I wanted a flu shot. I said no but I need a Tetanus vaccination. The nurse shows up, hands me a paper and gets ready to give me a shot. I look at the paper and it described the flu shot she was about to give me! I stopped her and told her I needed a Tetanus. When she came back, I checked the Tetanus paper and guess what, it also had Pertussis (whooping cough). Ah well….. Sometimes I wonder if there isn’t a little something special in these shots courtese of the government….
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mrja
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:46pmFREEZE !!!! HANDS UP!!! Grammer police, we have you surrounded!
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Southerner01
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:00pmGrammar ;)
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Lee_in_PA
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:05pmLol.
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Lee_in_PA
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:06pmGood one. can’t post lol I guess
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blanco5
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:09pmGrammar police—to correct and serve!
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booger71
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:44pmI have had an upper respiratory infection(coughing up mucus, plugged sinuses) since Nov 6th, and am now on my 4th round of meds. I had my flu shot on Sept 15th. This is the worst I have ever felt in my life. Any one else having long term problems?
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SocialistSlayer
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:04pmThis is most likely because you lowered your bodies immune system by taking the shot. Many people die after taking the shot not from the Flu but because you compromised your bodies immune system making you more susceptible to other illness.
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CatB
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:11pmHave you tried saline spray? $2.99 Walgreens … it works and is cheap and doesn’t require a doctor or prescription (if you have a small mister bottle you can make your own with distilled water and salt) .. for upper respiratory infections works better than the high cost meds. Also Echinacea WITH Golden Seal (which is a natural antibiotic) is a good idea this time of year. Feel a cold coming on .. Zinc pills are around $3-$4 a bottle .. and work just as good as the high priced stuff in the cold aisle.
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-saline-nasal-spray/ID=prod1536607-product
No I am NOT a doctor nor is this medical advice .. it has been researched and works for me.
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SocialistSlayer
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:28pmCat – you know it doesn’t work unless the Government and the Big Pharma get their cut of profits! :)
Seriously – they are taking control of everything in this country – Like convincing people to take Chemo for Cancer when they know darn well it is not effective !
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Priscilla King
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:32pmAre you sure it’s flu? Could it be allergies (yes, vaccines can be part of the stress on your immune system that makes allergies noticeable). If you’re getting these meds from a doctor, why has s/he not checked?
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Acena
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 4:50pmYes. It hit hard in S IL.
Flu shots or not everyone is sick and getting secondary bacterial infections .
Kids and the elderly seem to almost get over it and then they are sick again .
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mrja
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:41pmflu vaccine fail. no surprise, its not a vaccine at all is it? vaccines actually eradicate or nearly eradicate disease…..The flu is another non emergency crafted by the govt. yes it does kill at times, but so do spider bites at times.
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DougHuffman
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 3:08pmSigh. No. Vaccines do not cure.
Vaccines train ones immune system to recognize the disease agent in advance of a possibly lethal exposure.
As I said in re norovirus, you can vaccinate yourself against any virus by swapping spit with a sufferer. HIV is the best lesson that a virus cannot be cured once established, or perhaps the cytomegalovirus herpesvirus of shingles and vericella zoster chickenpox.
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naughtycal
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:40pmThe reason people geated flu shots and still geat sick is because the weren’t geating flu shots they were geating government tracking and listening nano machines not flu shots.
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WillG
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:47pmThat is Awesome man. You cracked up with that one.
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DougHuffman
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:40pmWhy have I not had INFLUENZA, never having had an influenza vaccine? Might it be for knowing the difference of rhinovirus from influenza?
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sta
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:47pmI’ve had two flu shots. Both times, my arm swelled and was tender at the injection point. For the next two weeks, I had symptoms of “the flu”. Running eyes, running nose, cough and body aches.
I’ve been told I’m nuts. Personally I think there is something in the suspension fluid, but I can’t tell you how many people told me that there was no way this could be.
I’m not anti-vaccine. My kids got them all, but I will NEVER have another flu shot.
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DougHuffman
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:04pmThe composition of a vaccine is above the pay-grade and beyond the ken of all but vaccine makers and research pharmacists.
You can ‘vaccinate’ yourself as well by swapping spit with a flu victim. We seniors are still enjoying partial immunity gained in childhood exposures.
The International Society for Infectious Diseases ProMED Monitoring Emerging Diseases has details.
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Priscilla King
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 1:35pmGood point. Also, this year’s flu vaccine doesn’t seem to have included any attempt to protect against norovirus, which is what’s causing people in my neighborhood to miss work/school.
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DougHuffman
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 2:21pmThe only association of the Noroviruses with influenza or rhinovirus is that they are all viruses. Norovirus is a enterovirus transmitted by fecal, aerosol and personal contact. There is no Norovirus vaccine, that I know of, on the market.
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WillG
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:40pmI hope I never “Geat” the flu. Come on now,I can see misspelling in the article but the Headline.
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commonsenseguy
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:36pmwhat is geat ??? never had that before i don’t think
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naughtycal
Posted on January 10, 2013 at 12:38pmGeat is when the editor doesn’t do his job.
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