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Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
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Many people are already in hysteria worrying about the flu season. It is estimated that the H1N1 swine flu virus will kill 90,000 people this year in the United States. Before everyone gets scared of the four zeroes let’s think about how many people die of the seasonal flu every year in the US. The answer is estimated to be around 36,000 people that die each year from the seasonal flu in America.
In recent years vaccines have become very controversial. From talks of thimerosol containing mercury in vaccines causing autism to rumors of microchips being injected into children, vaccines are highly debated. Some say that the H1N1 vaccine is being rushed out without being tested thoroughly. Others see the H1N1 vaccine as another profit for corporations and the government, with them giving Americans a vaccine that might not work and us giving them billions of dollars. Other people are confused as to why homeland security has become involved with the H1N1 virus. Physicians should be dealing with the H1N1 virus not homeland security. In this case hopefully Mark Twain was wrong when he said, “The past may not repeat itself, but it sure does rhyme.” In the 1970s the swine flu vaccination killed 25 people and paralyzed hundreds because it wasn’t tested systematically and methodically.
158 million Americans including 78 million children are urged to get the vaccine, therefore the vaccine should be well tested and not rushed out to the public. Most sources agree that the H1N1 vaccine is safe with few side effects but most researchers agree that the vaccine still needs more tests. Many parents fear that they will not have a choice if their children get the vaccine or not. So far there haven’t been any laws passed to take away a parent’s choice but some schools are highly recommending the vaccine and will be giving it out for free in New York City.
Commercial media has been blowing the whole H1N1 topic out of proportion as if Godzilla will be coming into every town with rain clouds showering down the Ebola virus. The H1N1 virus is influenza not a terminal disease. Many people who have contracted the H1N1 virus do not even need to be hospitalized they just recuperate at home like any other flu. If one has a poor immune system, has an infant or is elderly it is recommended that they get the seasonal flu shot regardless. It is highly unlikely that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is planning to kill 158 million Americans in the second half of October but still people should do their homework. It seems the exaggerations and rumors about the swine flu are more contagious then the actual H1N1 virus. Look at the numbers and use common sense before you go get a bio suit and withdraw your child from school. And remember hand sanitizer is just as good as washing your hands.
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