This flu outbreak is making me crazy. The government and drug companies must be LOVING all the media attention to get more people scared and led to believe that they must get the vaccine, even though it doesn't even WORK!
I'm not denying that there's some nasty stuff going around.
I know a LOT of people who have been sick with the same crud, and it really seems to hang around. And it's not like I want myself or my loved ones to get sick, that's never fun. But if we did, it would be good for our immune system to fight it off.
Yes, it can be risky for the old, young, or already ill, but as I mentioned, since the flu shot isn't even known to work, why subject your body to those toxins for only a 1 in 33 chance of preventing it?!
I've ranted plenty of times in the past few months about health care employers forcing employees to be vaccinated for the flu (see links below), but now there are school principles, employers, and government agencies emailing parents and staff telling them, “Don't forget to get the flu shot as the CDC advises!” Give me a break! How smart are the drug companies and our government agencies – how RICH are they as they capitalize on this latest outbreak?!
Why not instead build up your immune system? Here's how we do that around here: 10 ways to build up your immune system.
Here's more: Three Reasons NOT to Get the Flu Shot – with scientific references. Read a quote:
“The flu vaccine is actually quite infamous in that it is not known to work. The rate of it actually preventing someone from getting the flu is 1-2.5%. The vast majority of what we call the flu is actually ‘non-specific respiratory disease' – something like 90% of what we call the flu isn't flu at all.“
Don't take my word for it!
I'm not a doctor and there's too much I don't know, but I hope you'll go ahead and do your own research.
More links to help you:
- GreaterGoodMovie.org
- NVICAdvocacy.org
- Cochrane.org
Previous posts on this topic:
- My own vaccine decisions (related to childhood shots for our kids)
- My original post on The Greater Good film
Jan Dunn says
I am usually very against flu shots. I am a registered nurse and I work in an ICU in a medium sized hospital in a large city. This year has been very scary. The entire ICU is full of young people with the flu. They don’t just feel bad, they are all on ventilators, medications to keep their heart going and to support blood pressure. Most are in renal failure requiring dialysis. So it is not just that they feel crappy for a few days, most of these people will never have a normal life again.
Some patients had a flu shot while others didn’t. I don’t know what the answer is, get the shot or not. I will say the best thing to do is to take good care of yourself, avoid crowded places if you can and see your doctor at the start of any flu like symptoms.
estremadura says
Simply: modern allopathic”health care” rather “Sickness Industry and CO” with it’s constant interventions euphemistically referred to as “prevention” is completely out of proportion, and it’s present format creates MORE long lasting, only manageable, but not curable problems, than how much it actually solves!In this regard, same as politics… creating more and more problems…..no difference!
Karen says
I just had the flu. And then I developed pneumonia. The doctor I saw told me that the Spanish flu in 1918 was not what killed the vast majority of people who died during the epidemic. It was the pneumonia afterwards. Its easy to confirm – google it any way you want.
Flu shot? What was that Steppenwolf song about “the pusher”?
F. Joan Macdonald says
(Yasgurs Homeopathic Dictionary)
Vaccinosis –
The malaise or effects/sequelae caused by the administration of vaccines to healthy individuals, including fever, muscular aches, bone pains and prostration.
Around the world, since the first inoculation (Jenner in 1796) have been homoeopathic studies, training courses to address illness, symptoms from a single vaccination.
Now in N. America this is made so much more difficult as the person has -– inherited acquired conditions passed down from family – PLUS – the complex neurological symptoms, recurring illnesses, debilities from multiple vaccine ingredients and the increasing number of injections given every year during life.
Homoeopathy internationally is designed to address: the PAST – Inherited factors, traits from family (parents, grandparents, extended family) – PRESENT – Acquired (trauma, drug, injections) symptoms during lifetime – FUTURE – improve immune system for an even healthier life.
One factor – International Health care isn’t based in drugs, immunizations – but – Prevention – internationally a healthy person are mostly un-vaccinated and come from generations of having their own family homoeopathic practitioner.
Ellen says
Kelly,
I am frustrated and hope you can shed some light. I eat pretty healthy – not perfect but pretty good, not on any meds, etc. I make fermented foods and eat once in a while – not everyday but I do eat them. My daughter and her family don’t eat as healthy (no fermented or anything like that) but are germ-o-phobics and use sanitizer constantly. I believe we should concentrate on building our immune systems rather than trying to fight all the germs. Sounds good right? OK, but guess who gets sick? ME! Not them. I had the stomach flu about a month ago – short-lived but I had it. Now, I have “strep throat” (no culture was done but Dr. thought it was strep). This is driving me crazy. Can you shed any light on this?
KitchenKop says
Ellen, I’ll have to go back and include this link in the post, try these ideas:
https://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/12/10-tips-for-building-healthy-immune.html
Ellen Nielson says
I would never get the flu shot but my doctor has been hounding me about it ever since I went in for a physical. I never believed the bull or hype surrounding the flu shot. I told my doctor no, that under no circumstances would I get a flu shot. I have searched for statistics showing that it prevents the flu and have found nothing. Did I hear correctly that most of Europe and Canada have banned the flu shot??
Jill says
Ellen, read this article, also on Kelly’s site. It is a guest post I wrote after MUCH research into flu vaccines. https://kellythekitchenkop.com/2012/10/mandatory-flu-vaccines-for-healthcare-workers-why-one-man-is-choosing-the-mask.html
Pamela says
you people are all wacky!
KitchenKop says
Thank you! 🙂
Jill says
🙂
Michelle says
I do want to add that I developed a terrible case of the flu when I was in my last trimester of pregnancy with my second child. I landed in the hospital for several days needing to be rehydrated. After that I received the vaccine for several years under the “belief” that the vaccine would prevent future cases of flu for me. The research does not back up this claim and mistaken belief I held. Many of the illnesses for which vaccines are available can be serious and life threatening, others not so much. It is a cost effective analysis which one needs to do for each vaccine. After reading the Vaccine Guide and countless articles on vaccinations I now conclude there is more cost than benefit and no longer vaccinate myself or my chidren. Each parent and individual needs to do their own analysis to reach their own conclusions. I honestly believe that if individuals really do some digging as I did, they will reach the same conclusions. I once thought the more the better re vaccines. I wish they worked and were safe, but have concluded neither is true. Best wishes to all interested in better health in finding answers for themselves. It is worth taking the time to do some research especially for our children who depend on us to make the best decisions for them regarding their healthcare. I wish I knew then what I do now re vaccines. My children are mostly grown, one still in highschool. I would NOT vaccinate if I had to do it over.
Sahara says
It’s been half amusing and half annoying at work how little common sense is left regarding bugs and viruses. The common cold is going around and the way our employees are talking about it is as if we are all dying from a flu pandemic. I unfortunately did get this cold and I have to keep reassuring them I’m fine. One even went out to the emergency room convinced he had pneumonia and came back with a paper titled “Understanding the Common Cold” hah! PS flu shots were had by all, well except me.
Michelle says
Kelly, I am convinced that vaccines contribute to illness. You soft but firm approach is so valuable. Most people who have found your website are on board with the facts that vaccines do not prevent illness. I wish they were safe and did what they purport to do, but the facts don’t back that up. They create antibodies in the best cases, but do not develop cellular immunity which is more essential for prevention of disease. They actually lower cellular immunity which makes one more prone to disease. They clearly increase the risk of developing a host of other diseases, as well. Doing independent research is essential, particularly real research not provided by the pharmaceutical companies who sell vaccines. Thank you for your tireless efforts to impact our world in a positive way through your blogging and website. Highest regards, Michelle
Beth says
It’s been really interesting to watch the post flu shot side effects pile up on the social media sites the past couple of years. I make note of those who proudly announce they got their flu shots and then within a couple of weeks many of them begin to complain of bronchitis, walking pneumonia and this terrible crud they can’t seem to shake. Clock work. I used to work for a company with a very enthusiastic HR team who’d come grab people from their desks for flu shot day. I always declined because the people who got flu shots were the exact same ones who were hacking and coughing and wheezing all winter long. I thought they must just be sickly people at the time. Now I know the vaccine itself contributes to poor health. At least today more people are waking up to the nonsense. This season has been especially laughable hypewise. A couple of weeks ago the CDC was reporting the worst flu season ever or something really extreme with 18 deaths reported across all 50 states. How is this extreme when the CDC says every year there are 36,000 flu related deaths. 18 does sound extreme to me…relative to 36K, relatively MILD! The propagandists really are starting to lose it changing their story all the time – whatever it takes to sell shots. But the more their story has inconsistencies the more people wake up.
April says
When I was 14 I spent a month in bed with the flu. I’ve gotten a flu vaccine every year since then and have only had the flu once when my husband came down with it. I know people who died from the flu. Two years ago my husband had the flu (he was tested and it was the actual flu) and I’ve never seen him that sick before in our entire marriage. It scared me to see him like that. He’s normally very healthy and rarely gets sick. He hadn’t had the flu vaccine that year. I had the vaccine that year but got the flu anyway, but it was much milder than what he had, even though it was the same strain. Our three children had their shots that year and they didn’t get sick in spite of being cooped up two parents with the flu.
I believe that the vaccine does work. From what I’ve been reading, it’s about 62% effective in completely preventing the flu, and if you get the flu after having the vaccine, it is milder than if you hadn’t been vaccinated.
The flu vaccine this year does cover the strains going around. This is one of the worst flu seasons on record. Last year was one of the mildest they’ve seen in a long time.
I will continue to get the flu vaccine every year and have my children have it as well. There is also the option of getting the preservative-free version, or using the flu mist (which we’ve done as well) if you don’t like having an actual shot.
When whole school districts are shutting down because of the flu, it’s serious.
Commenter via Facebook says
If only mercury were the only toxic ingredient. Even if you are lucky enough to get a single dose vial (no mercury), there is still formaldehyde (an EPA recognized carcinogen used in embalming, paints, and many other applications, all of which pose human health hazards), egg protein, MSG, polysorbate 80, Triton X100, pig gelatin, antibiotics…the list goes on. NVIC has a vaccine ingredient calculator that allows you to see ingredients to every vaccine by every manufacturer. If the flu were far more deadly and if the flu shot were proven by independent studies to truly work well, it MIGHT be worth risking the deluge of toxic ingredients and potential side effects and adverse events, but as it stands, I personally don’t see the benefits outweighing the risks.
Commenter via Facebook says
Just read yesterday that the U.S. now ranks last out of 17 developed nations in healthcare. I’m old enough to remember when we were at the top. Where are the independent research studies (the ones NOT sponsored by or bought with payola from Big Pharma) that show the real statistics behind the flu shot? Of those who got the disease, how many had already had the shot? Was it effective or not? Does anyone trustworthy do random testing on the flu vaccines to ensure these rascals aren’t dosing folks with disease-causing microbes to create their own epidemics in order to sell more vaccine (and heaven knows how many other drugs)?
Commenter via Facebook says
I’m less concerned with the flu vaccine itself than I am with the mercury-laced preservative (thimerosal) present in the multi-dose vials. It’s bad enough the flu shot may be ineffective, but the fact that drug companies are still permitted by the FDA to poison us with mercury is unconscionable. It is the mercury and not the vaccine itself that triggers neurological problems and it should be banned. The CDC and the FDA have known this for years.
For those who still feel they should immunize, ask for the single dose shot that has no preservative…and good luck with the results.
Commenter via Facebook says
It’s kinda funny because I’ve felt LESS pressure for a flu shot this year. My daughter is medically fragile and has a mild immunodeficiency and when we turned down the flu shot this year, her doctors didn’t even put up a fight, which I was surprised at. It came across more as “We need to recommend this” instead of them being fully convinced that it was the right course of action.
JMR says
I keep hearing about this widespread “epidemic”, but I don’t understand it. I’m a flight attendant and usually, if some disease is going around, it’s going around the airplane. I haven’t seen many passengers with runny noses, chills, coughs, sneezing, etc. I’ve seen a whole lot of vomiting lately, so something’s going around, but it isn’t the flu.
My company offers free flu shots and encourages us to get them. I’d always been healthy, but decided to get the flu shot several years ago. The three years I got the shot were the only 3 years I’ve ever gotten the flu. That’s not a scientific study telling me the flu shot causes the flu, but it was enough for me to stop getting it.
Commenter via Facebook says
I JUST heard on the news that there is a flu shot shortage. They cannot make more because they are ALREADY working on the shot for NEXT year. How is that even possible? THEN, the Dr. said that they won’t know until April how well of a match this year’s shot was for the strain yet other people have been saying it’s a perfect match. Wow. That is all I have to say.
Commenter via Facebook says
@ Billie Yates Oh sorry, more came in and screwed the numbers up, it’s #58: “Mindy”.
Stephanie says
We were at our dr yesterday getting my son checked out because he lost soooo much weight with the stomach virus. She was talking about the flu. It’s so bad around here she thought they should just close the schools for two weeks and let it clear out since everyone is just passing it around. She’s a natural dr and doesn’t recommend the flu shot, but recommended using sambucas (derived from elderberry) as a preventative measure. Obviously, she also gave me tips to help my little guy too…the flu talk was a secondary convo.
Commenter via Facebook says
A healthy 6-year-old girl died here in Maine becuase of the flu. It’s not innocuous. I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to protect yourself and your family with a flu shot. Public health programs are designed to keep people healthy and they have worked wonders in this and other countries. Eating healthy foods and exercising are good lifestyle choices but are not enough to protect against infectious disease.
Commenter via Facebook says
We don’t get the flu shot since my father got Gullian Barre (a horrible disease cause by the vaccine) and almost died… He will never be able to walk without braces… No more flu shot for us!
Trina Peruski O'Boyle says
I couldn’t of said it better. I’ve never gotten the flu shot and neither has my children and we don’t intend to. People are getting CRAZY over it and that makes me even crazier with frustration that the gov and drug companies are basically preying on people’s emotions and making them think that if they don’t get the shot they will get sick and could die. People need to be informed of the drugs they are going to be putting into their bodies and not just trusting others. I wish that more people would connect good nutrition to being healthy not just pushing shots or pills to get that quick fix. The crap people put in their body on a daily basis is disgusting.
Commenter via Facebook says
When I go to the link comment 53 is Kelly…as are many others above and below there…can you let us know the name of the commenter?
Anita Stevenson says
I think she meant 58, I was having the same problem at first…
Commenter via Facebook says
They were pushing that flu shot like crack LONG before the weather even cooled off. I was interviewed back in late August by a TV station walking around asking people if they were going to get a flu shot (LATE AUGUST). There are times when the benefits may outweigh the cost, however, I am not a fan of all the toxic ingredients they contain. Who can ever say what the problems those things will cause down the road.
Commenter via Facebook says
People are paranoid.
Commenter via Facebook says
I am also wondering when someone will actually connect the increase in GMO foods consumed to th decrease in immunity, so therefore increase in flu cases. I hate that they say to fight it with vaccine instead of immune boosting foods and actions.
Cindy L says
Because there are no patents in fruits and veggies. So no one can get rich from them (except of course the makers of the GMO seeds!). But drugs and vaccines, there is a lucrative price tag on that!
Commenter via Facebook says
Jody, we have 7,000,000,000 people on the planet and limited resources. We, as a global people. have done nothing to prevent population explosion. As unpopular as it sounds, either we curb it through things like birth control, or nature will do it for us. There will not be enough food to go around in a few years. This is just a fact. In all practical honesty, there are simply too many of us on this planet.
Commenter via Facebook says
Kids are more likely to suffer from long lasting neurological issues from the shots than damaging flu. If person is on certain meds and serious illness/cancer then it might be a good idea for shot.
Commenter via Facebook says
My father got the shot, and then got the flu. He’s 81 and shouldn’t have had it but his home made sure everyone get one. The only thing that I have seen the prevents it, aside from washing, is Vitamin D drops, 4 or more a day…double it if you feel it coming on…
Commenter via Facebook says
Eat plenty of raw fruits & veggies, exercise & get plenty of sunshine & fresh air are the best ways to keep from getting any kind of infection. There is no amount of supplements that can replace real live food. Health care is or should be all about what Hippocrates said; “Let thy food be thy medicine & thy medicine be thy food.” Big pharma is losing it’s grip on people’s fear & more & more people are realizing that their health care is their own responsibility, not some new drug,politician or insurance policy etc. Knowledge is power & more & more of us are becoming more & more knowledgeable.
Commenter via Facebook says
Right on Kate! Good for you (and those around you that will listen)
Joanne says
They used us as guinea pigs! They brought in flu shots for BC and Quebec, and gave the rest of the country another vaccine, then the sent researchers from California to study our flu epidemic. I watched the whole thing unfold before my eyes. They had people lined up in the shopping malls by the 1000s. I felt like yelling at them, “This is an experiment! Don’t fall for it! The flu is a virus! You can’t vaccinate against the flu!” but there was no point. People here do what they’re told. Years later, it comes out on Mercola and I was right, it was an experiment. Now, nurses and health care workers are being forced to get flu shots here in BC. Because they are not allowed to speak out, no one is hearing about it. My father was given one in his home this year before I had a chance to stop it, but he still became ill this year. For me, the only thing that prevents it is Vitamin D drops. It prevents it and if I double-up, stops it after only a few hours. I also treat my nostrils right away. I’ve only been ill for about 8 hours after the past year. I can live with that…
Commenter via Facebook says
I shared some studies with one of your readers about flu, asthma, and vit D. Way better to go for the D than a flu shot.
Although some people feel that they have special circumstances and want to do everything to protect themselves (and I understand that — we all want our babies to be safe and healthy), we need to look very carefully at what the research actually says and not get caught up in the media hype. Which I know is your point but some of the comments I read, people were still scared. Maybe by doctors or just a personal “what if” fear, but they’re still scared.
I’ve looked so carefully at the research and I know vit A, D, K2, and magnesium have a lot more to do with boosting our bodies than any shot ever will. I’ve just written a book on children’s health…it’s in the editing stages now. I read medical journals like crazy for that book. I feel even more confident than ever in the choices I’m making for my kids. There’s so much evidence out there — scientific, published, peer-reviewed evidence — to support it, but because those studies don’t really support the current beliefs and paradigm, they are ignored.
It was known over 10 years ago that midday sun exposure is safest and best for vitamin D production in the skin. Try to give that advice and you’re considered “dangerous” because clinical “knowledge” and practice hasn’t caught up with the research.
I find it frustrating but I’m doing what I can with my own research to help people understand there’s so much more information out there and it’s so necessary to look into it yourselves, and not trust what doctors say (necessarily). It takes 10 – 15 years after multiple studies confirm something major before it becomes widely accepted and practiced. And in that time your health may suffer.
Commenter via Facebook says
And hand washing– lots of handwashing with the plainest, not antibacterial soap I can find.
Commenter via Facebook says
My husband is one of those health care workers who has to get the shot as a condition of his employment. And guess who brought the flu into the house?!?! We’re doing everything we can to prevent all of us getting it– although it looks like my younger is #2 🙁
We clean all surfaces with a spritz of h2o2 followed by a spritz of white vinegar. That’s supposed to have a synergistic effect rendering the cleaning power superior to bleach.
Thieves oil– burning so much, I think it’s the new permanent smell in my house– could be worse 🙂
Lots of garlicy, wine-based venison broth
Ginger/lemon tea
Colloidal silver. Throat spray, nose spray, taken internally.
Commenter via Facebook says
I hate the second guessing of my choices as a parent. Vax, raw milk, flu shots. It’s certainly not easy. But, it’s probably always been that way, just different decisions. At the end of the day sh*t happens and we all did the best we could. Sending healthy thoughts to # 53, get well!!
Paula says
I did get the flu shot this year. Am I sheep? Yeah, maybe. But my daughter had a liver transplant four months ago and is immunosuppressed. If there’s anything I can do beyond the handwashing and sanitizing we already do to keep her from getting sick, I’m going to do it. Please be considerate of those who DO get the shot, as they may have reasons beyond just believing media hype.
Jessalyn says
I have NEVER even considered getting the flu shot…but my 2 yr old(almost 3) has bad asthma symptoms whenever he has a cold.(We have been in the ER about 9 times in the last year) So both of his doctors keep pushing me to get the flu shot because he is a high risk case. What is everyone’s opinion about a case like this? Especially the people against the shots like me, what are your opinions?
KitchenKop says
No one can answer that for you, just research it like crazy and go with your gut.
Again, though, I have to ask, if the shot is not even effective at preventing the flu and if it’s likely not even for sure the correct flu strain they’re immunizing for in the first place, why do they push it so hard?
Kelly
April says
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172045.htm
“They found that children who had received the flu vaccine had three times the risk of hospitalization, as compared to children who had not received the vaccine. In asthmatic children, there was a significantly higher risk of hospitalization in subjects who received the TIV, as compared to those who did not…”
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
I wouldn’t — https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172045.htm (flu shot increases risk of hospitalization)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2902692/ (vit D helps control asthma)
https://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/57335/description/Vitamin_D_is_a_flu_fighter (Vit D, flu, and asthma)
Given the research I’d dose him up on FCLO and keep him away from crowded play areas during the height of the season.
Linda says
Jessalyn, I suffered with severe asthma for over 30 years. I was frequently hospitalized and once even intubated. I was taking prednisone, a Steroid Inhaler, and a rescue inhaler which I had to use daily. About 4 yrs ago, I was experiencing digestive issues and decided to try a gluten free diet. Believe me- it wasn’t easy! It took me about a year and a half to become totally gluten free and amazingly, my asthma totally disappeared! I still can’t believe I suffered for so long before realizing that diet is so much more important to good health than anything else!
Lisa says
My son is 2 1/2 and has low IGG ( weak immune system) as well as food allergies. It took me while to figure out was what going on with him and when I had to start reading lables for allergens I had a rude awakening into the reality of processed foods. I then purged all the fumy housecleaning supplies, switched to natural landry care, ditched the fabric softners etc etc, as well and overhauled our diets. It has helped greatly but sadly he does still get sick ALL the time. He catches colds like crazy and when he gets a simple cold it turns into croup or pneumonia. Hes had MANY ER visits for having trouble breathing. He has reactive airway (pre atshma), yet I do not have him on any meds daily and just bring out the nebulizer when its needed. So I dont give him meds or vaccines lightly. I also work in healthcare and he is in full time daycare every day, with lots of other germy lil guys. I really went back n forth on if I would get him the flu shot this year. Then he had pneumonia last month from a little cold, which is why I decided to go ahead and get him a flu vaccine. He is the type of kid that will end up very very sick with pneumonia if he gets a bad flu. We have been down that road before. Hopefully another year of good healthy foods and FCLO and maybe next winter I wont even be comsideringa flu shot. Only time will tell. For many I think you need to really think what the likely outcome will be from flu. Most kids do fine, but some dont. If you feel yours is more likely to have a bad outcome then you need to consider the options. It always needs to be up to each family, and no one should be made to feel bad because they did or didnt vaccinate
KitchenKop says
“It always needs to be up to each family, and no one should be made to feel bad because they did or did not vaccinate.”
I completely agree. 🙂
Kelly
Mindy says
I am currently lying in bed where I have been for the past 3 days. I have horrible chills, body aches, high fever, headache and sore throat. In fact, I have soaked through my clothes and sheets on my bed like they have just come out of the washer. I have not been tested for the flu, but all of those are classical symptoms of the flu. I eat real, organic, whole foods and exercise every day. I also juice at least once every day, sometimes more. My boys, 5 and 7, eat the same way. We practice good hand washing habits and my house is clean. I don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals. I diffuse essential oils and disinfect with castille soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. I have never had a flu shot, but have given my boys flu shots every year until this year (much to the dismay of my ped and mom); partly because of my own evolvement in the natural arena, but also because of the great information on this site and normally constructive, educated reader comments. It’s easy for me to stand on my soapbox to all I know about my decision to not get a flu shot while I’m well. I will admit, with all the hype, it is much harder to keep faith in the fact that I made the right decision; especially when my 7 year old went to bed piled up with blankets saying mommy I’m freezing. I would never forgive myself if something happened to one of my boys. Tonight, I am appalled by some of the comments on here. While I respect everyone’s right to free speech, I implore you to please take a moment to remember what’s truly important and pray for all of the parents (or anyone for that matter) who have lost a child to the flu. All parents, whether or not they choose to give their child a flu shot, deserve our respect. No matter what our various beliefs are, most of us do share a common goal in wanting what is best for our child.
KitchenKop says
I understand where you’re coming from, but that’s exactly what drives me crazy, the way they’re pushing the guilt trip. You said, “I would never forgive myself if something happened to one of my boys.” That’s JUST what they want you to feel! But what if you gave them the flu shot and they had a reaction, or they got the flu AFTER the shot (which happens ALL the time), do you know what I mean? Between well-meaning docs and the media who play along with the government games, they guilt MANY parents into what may not be best. Only each parent can decide, but it shouldn’t be through guilt tactics.
Kelly
Samantha says
That assumes that parents are making decisions based on guilt and media hype. Our lifestyle is much like Mindy’s (based on her post, I don’t know her). This year, we did get the flu shot. Why? Well, because our youngest son has a shockingly weak immune system, despite all of the work that we have done to build it holistically. He continues to take Elderberry, we have fire cider on hand, etc.
My main gripe – with both sides of the coin – is the lack of tolerance for those with different views. There is an assumption – from both sides – that decisions that differ from our own must be rooted in blind following of others and personal ignorance. I wish that it was more common to recognize that individuals make decisions based on personal circumstances, and that a well reasoned intelligent decision may be the exact opposite of what another intelligent person decides.
I liken it to dietary decisions. I’m a vegan, but find the attitudes of some vegans extremely off putting. I’m not concerned with the choices of others to eat meat – so long as they don’t put it on my plate. It’s not my choice, nor is it my job to tell them how they should be eating. I respect the decisions of many of my friends with different diets – particularly those who opt for local, humane meat and dairy.
Yet – when I read comments and posts here, I often feel chastised. That’s a shame because, on many levels, I find the information here helpful. I’ve shared it with family and friends who have found it useful. I just wish that it could come without the side dose of judgement. If someone asks me for info on tempeh, I don’t serve it up with a lecture on why they need to cut cheese, you know? There’s not a big difference between judgment and guilt.
Lynda says
Excellent comment. Couldn’t agree with you more – people’s intolerance of other people’s choices is just not helpful. I think most people to the best they can with the information and resources they have.
KitchenKop says
I’m sure I need to get better about this and I’m sorry if I’ve ever made you feel judged in the past. (No one likes that!!!) My hope is only that my blog makes people think and want to research stuff more. Then what they choose is none of my business and only THEY know what’s best for them, their bodies, and their families.
Kel
Commenter via Facebook says
I’m SO sick of the scare tactics!!
Kelly says
Thank you! I’m getting so tired of all of the hype, as well! If people would stay home when they are sick (and keep your kids home when they are sick, as well) a lot of the outbreak could be controlled!
JennE says
Ditto!
Commenter via Facebook says
Sharon New, how heartless. Your comments about culling the heard are offensive, rude and plain mean. A person losing their life shouldn’t be taken so lightly.
In our family we don’t believe in getting the flu shot. We believe in whole organic foods, limiting sugar, taking good quality supplements vitamin D, and juicing. This year we have been making a lot of carrot, apple, lemon juice in our masticating juicer.
Commenter via Facebook says
Yes. yes. Besides, last November, the NYTimes published an article with officials from the high ranks of infectious disease, admitting that this vaccine is bunk, and has been over promoted. So Donna Nichols you are mistaken about the protection. Also, you need to do some reading up on so called “cave people” before you make the misguided notion that they only lived until 35. Your belief is evidence of our culture’s rewriting of history. Given that humans health is degenerating, I don’t know if modern medicine keeping us alive longer is better. Alive longer, but vibrantly healthy? No. Indigenous folks who ate their traditional foods lived long lives, had no cancers, no food allergies, no autism, and birthed their babies at home without intervention. Get you hands on the book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration for some pictures that speak volumes. That’s why Kelly’s work and the work of folks like the Weston A. Price Foundation are so crucial in their attempts to educate and heal through food! https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/05/reassessing-flu-shots-as-the-season-draws-near/
estremadura says
Very much true! Never ever in the history of mankind were so many crippled, chronically ill individuals than now. It seems the clue of long and healthy life is to avoid “health care” services, what is nothing else than pushing drugs and waxs.
Instead of caring for health it is “Illness Industry and Co” needing lots of crippled, chronically ill clients.
Commenter via Facebook says
YES!
Commenter via Facebook says
They want to cut the world’s population by 95% and state they can achieve this by new and more effective vaccines…..what are they really putting in them…and what are allowing to be injected into you and your children…I’ll pass thank you.. The next EO mandating all be vaccinated at government dicate
Joanne says
Can you please cite this? I’d like to know where it’s coming from…thank you
Commenter via Facebook says
hmmmm do those chemtrails have anything to do with this? What is the government doing while they are freaking people out about the flu?
Dori says
I’m going to throw my two cents in here. I used to get the flu shot because they would actually come to our office to give it to us. I figured why not if it’s free and convenient. Well, two years ago, I had a HUGE allergic reaction to it, despite not having a problem several times before. I had to take reduced hours at work for five months, and if I had prioritized my health more, it would have been longer. I actually still get mild symptoms creeping up from time to time. I’ve just been so angry since then, seeing how much they’re pushing these things like they’re no big deal. I had always gotten them, thinking they were pretty innocuous. Boy, was I ever proved wrong!
Commenter via Facebook says
It seems so obvious to me. People are getting the flu shot in increasing numbers each year and the strains and severity of each type is increasing each year. Look also at other vaccines that are available such as the meningitis shot. I have two friends who had meningitis this summer. Crazy! When will we wake up and realize that we need to get back to basics. When we live in a society where our healthy care is the most lucrative business there is we have to wonder what the priorities are of those who are supposed to be making us better. Ever heard of the “light bulb” analogy. It’s been said that there are lightbulb a that science has created that never burn out. Companies don’t sell them because light bulbs would no longer be consumable. That’s where the money is, in consumable products. Pharmaceuticals are consumable. Just open a magazine and look at the two – three page ads. More than 50% of all ads in magazines are pharm. and they are expensive!!!! Does anyone remember a world where there were no ads for drugs. Who would have ever thought to be so bold as to tell a doctor what they needed to take to get better. It’s madness and our whole country is buying in.
Joanne says
Those ads used to be illegal…
bunkie says
awesome post kelly the kitchen kop!!!
Chris says
I have read that the flu shot actually helps prevent heart disease. The reason being when we have the flu, well if we get the flu, it inflames our arteries; the shot helps reduce this inflammation. So on that note it useful for some. You decide it’s YOUR body after all 🙂
Below is a link that explains.
https://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext?nxd_id=620002
Jill says
What they don’t consider though, is that vaccines create an inflammatory response in our bodies, which is why they have been associated with miscarriage in pregnant women. We will experience inflammation whether we get the flu, a cold, a flu-like illness, or a vaccine.
Chris says
They did say more research was needed.
Jeanmarie says
I’m taking my chances by eating a nutrient-dense, low sugar diet so heart disease isn’t much of a risk for me. Neither is the flu. I wasn’t aware until this post that there was a bad bug going around. My boyfriend did get some stomach bug a couple of weeks ago, but he’s always eating too much candy and making himself sick so I didn’t assume it was flu. (I gave him chicken bone broth.) I got nauseous and threw up about a week ago, and it lasted about one and a half hours, including my recovery nap, and I was totally fine after. Our tenant apparently got sick for a day.
So, if that was the flu, it was no big deal, at least for me! I’m betting on proper diet and healthy lifestyle rather than shots.
Amy says
Oh, I so needed to hear this today! I’m home achy & coming down with something nasty after being exposed to a fluish niece (who did get her flu shot). Not a big deal except that I have a 6-month-old and two other young children to worry about. And I’ve been flipping through the channels seeing the constant news coverage on the flu. It’s been planting seeds of doubt in my usually resolute mind about my “negligence” as a mother to get all of us flu shots. I needed a reality check – thanks, Kelly!
Commenter via Facebook says
Well the flu has wiped out our school this week and even though both of my kids and my husband got it, we still wouldn’t get the shot! Building up the immune system. Fever, body aches, chills … somehow we managed. (That said, there were 80 kids out one day and 70 the next! Yikes!)
Jill says
Remember though, that without laboratory testing, no one can know if it is the flu or not because the vast majority of viruses that cause flu symptoms are not the flu. It is statistically more likely that the bug going through your kids’ school is a flu-like illness (for which there is no vaccine–there are hundreds of viruses), rather than influenza.
Commenter via Facebook says
I wrote this “note” this morning in response to the ongoing flushot debate….
https://www.facebook.com/notes/kenny-friedman/to-get-the-flu-shot-or-not-to-get-the-flu-shot/455959157790737
Commenter via Facebook says
I know Kelly, me too… every year when I was a kid, my mom made us get flu shots… when I got older I made the choice not to do it. The thing is, every year I got that stupid shot, I got sick anyway. Plus, I think there is a lot of ‘flu’ scare and the word ‘flu’ is thown around when it’s really a cold. Colds can be nasty, but that doesn’t mean it is Influenza!
Commenter via Facebook says
If you want to eat like a cave man, or live like the early settlers in the West…just remember, they only lived to be about 35 to 40 years old, on average. I believe in organic and wild/grass fed meat. I believe in limiting ones consumption of overly processed foods and overly engineered and sprayed produce. But, if after going to all the trouble of doing that for your family’s health, you can’t take advantage of modern advancements to prolong your quality of life and longevity…what’s the point?
lisa says
the point is that the flu shot is not an advancement and does not prolong your quality of life or longevity. It is a sham. It is up to you to educate yourself.
Commenter via Facebook says
I know three people who are in wheelchairs from the flu shot. No joke people. It can cause Guillan-Barre syndrome. I have a very hard time seeing all these idiot signs everywhere I go pushing this poison. Even worse is how people keep getting them year after year even if they get sick with one flu after another all winter after getting the shot. Duh.
Commenter via Facebook says
Yep, drives me nuts. We’ve never got the flu shot. Just fine over here with what we are doing. In fact yesterday on the Today show they were promoting them for pregnant women to pass on the immunity to the unborn. GAHHH! 🙁
Commenter via Facebook says
The Lansing State Journal has an article in today’s newspaper. GGGRRR
Commenter via Facebook says
The flu shot no longer has Thimerisol/mercury preservative in it. And, if you’ve got heart disease, or spend time with someone who does have heart disease or other health issues, I think it’s kind of stupid not to get the preservative free vaccine. You guys are taking this just a little too far…and I pray none of you or your loved ones pay the price. And Sharon…what a low class, distasteful remark to make. I’ll pray that it never happens…but I bet you wouldn’t feel that way if one of your kids was the one being “culled”.
Chris says
Bump!
Jill says
Actually all multi-dose vials of flu vaccine have the mercury based preservative. Only single dose vials, which are limited in availability and normally saved for babies and pregnant women, are mercury-free.
anastasia @ eco-babyz says
No way to justify this:
2 ppb is the maximum amount of mercury that deems water “safe” for drinking
Anything over 200 ppb mercury is considered TOXIC [source – EPA]
There is up to 300 ppb mercury is in the “thimerosal-free” flu vaccine.
There is 25,000 ppb mercury given in the flu shot containing 25 mcg of thimerosal as a preservative.
https://vaxtruth.org/2011/09/the-flu-vaccine-what-your-doctor-wont-tell-you-or-probably-doesnt-even-know/
Commenter via Facebook says
Just crazy. Instead of promoting hand washing, cleaning surfaces we touch often, it is pushing shots/sprays/pills. I use food grade hydrogen peroxide with No Rinse Body Bath (8oz+ 1 cap) and spray or wipe down. Even in the car/purse/cellphone
Joanne says
My other half used to wipe his store down with ammonia. It sounds bad, but he says it stopped him from getting sick on a dime. He wiped the phones, counters, till, computer keyboard, door knobs. He also takes oil of oregano straight, which is the other thing he swears by. For me, it’s D drops…
Commenter via Facebook says
Nope we are all pretty healthy so not worried about catching the flu. We get colds, nothing serious. We eat organic “real” food so I focus on building up my kid’s immunity.
Commenter via Facebook says
Smh….silly sheeple.
Jen says
We haven’t gotten the flu shot for several years thanks to informed people like you. I used to just go along with what I was told or heard on the news. That being said, my daughter (4 years old) and I were sick for two weeks over Christmas with flu like symptoms and I was feeling guilty for not having her get the shot. What got me over the guilt was my dad then caught the bug from us even though he had the flu shot. Thanks for all your information and helping us not panic when the news hypes stuff like this. Time to go take my CLO!
Commenter via Facebook says
I’m more afraid of the shot than I am of getting the flu…LOL
Commenter via Facebook says
I’ve yelled at the tv a little too much this week.
Commenter via Facebook says
Thanks for sharing your info….
Commenter via Facebook says
Follow sheep! One day everyone will discover what is behind the curtain and it’s not the wizard of Oz.
Commenter via Facebook says
oh I can’t stand it. I don’t know when public health became all about keeping people from getting the flu. We’re suppose to get sick once in a while. And no matter how many vaccinations they give, there is a certain percentage of the population who dies of the flu every year – the young and the old are most affected. No intervention rarely changes these stats. And, frankly, it wouldn’t hurt if some of the earth’s population got culled a bit anyway.
Lynda says
Really? It wouldn’t hurt the earth’s population to get culled? That’s a really horrible thing to say. A fourteen year old in our community just died from the influenza – what if that was one of your children?
Commenter via Facebook says
its a daily rant for me!
Susan says
I was reading (on HuffPo) about the flu hype where it stated it was “the worst round of flu in years!!” They say this EVERY year! So funny. So after I read the article, I went on to the comments because I knew the debating would be good. I had no idea how funny they would be, too! Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times I read these type of messages : “I get the flu shot because my government tells me I should.” “We should all listen to the CDC because they have our best interest at heart.” “Our government cares about our health, we should listen to their advice.”………Amazing words from the sheeple!
After I picked myself off of the floor from laughter, I did take a moment to reflect on the lives lost. I don’t like that so many children have died from this, but I also don’t like that MSM and our governement use these children’s deaths as fear mongering tactics, mostly because I don’t know what those children’s lives were like before they caught the flu and died. Were they out running around totally normal before this happened, or were they in their second session of chemo with no resistance to begin with? What are their diets like? Are they living on Fruit Loops and Bagel Bites, or were the kids that died eating like we all do? They never tell us this stuff. Its always cut and dry. These kids died and you might too if you don’t get the shot. So pathetic.
Marcie says
My husband gets the flu shot every year. I never do. Over Christmas I was very ill with vomiting, fever, aches, etc. “You should have got the flu shot!” he chastised me. And then he came down with the same illness the next day.
Jeanmarie says
Sweet justice!
Lynda says
Influenza does not cause vomiting. That was some other virus.
Linda says
I am sick of it too. My hubby works for the fed govt and every year they come around giving out the flu shot. They ask him if he wants the shot and he says “no thanks, I don’t want the flu”.
ValerieH says
I read a book called Lifespan many years ago which talked about how the flu shot has to be decided over a year ahead of the flu season. My family never was big on flu shots and we rarely get the flu. A lot of people believe that if you get the shot, you will get the flu as a side effect. Our family is generally healthy.
I live in the Chicago area. In November my youngest daughter and I caught an upper respiratory illness that lasted for 5-6 weeks. I have spoken to a number of people who have had it this year. One friend came in from VA for the holidays and caught it. She went to an urgent care facility and was told it is a “nasty bronchitis that is going around Chicago”.
I tried all my usual things for colds, especially vitamin C megadosing, which usually works for me. I had no idea the illness would last so long. A few days my daughter and I experienced flu symptoms. It came and went. Just when I thought I was ok, it came back. I got serious with the WAPF nutrition. I ate bone broth, liver pate, sauerkraut, beet kvass, kefir. I think that made a difference for me. There was no quick fix.
I have a very positive friend who is quite an inspiration. She is currently studying to be a chiropractor. She was sick right after Christmas. She posted on Facebook, “My body has decided to undergo a detox on its own.” She chose to look at it as a housecleaning rather than being attacked by an illness. I read that same description on this blog post https://www.mommypotamus.com/should-i-give-my-baby-a-flu-shot-or-not/. I really liked changing the paradigm from germ theory where everyone is just a sitting duck for whatever bug is around.
Peggy says
They’re on to you, Kel. On the news last night they announced that the flu was so severe and widespread that they are giving FREE shots to everyone in my state until the supply runs out. That takes care of the “greedy pharma” argument. A couple doctors were interviewed who said this year’s vaccine is a particularly good match. So there goes the 1 in 33 argument.
I’ve never been tempted to have a flu shot before this year, but I gotta tell you, the more holes they poke (get it?) in the anti-shot arguments, the more convenient it all sounds.
Homemaker says
I know, my daughter was throwing up the other night (she is totally fine and it didn’t last long), but I had a thought for a second when I was watching all the scary news about kids dying from the flu, that maybe I was a bad mom for not getting them one. But I had to remind myself the media is probably overflowing the severity and big pharma is probably thrilled.
Jill says
Actually, the 1 in 33 is in perfect conditions, with 100% match to circulating viruses, and the 1 in 100 (1 set of flu symptoms avoided for every 100 flu vaccinations) is the success rate in average years. Don’t be fooled by the hype! https://summaries.cochrane.org/CD001269/vaccines-to-prevent-influenza-in-healthy-adults
Lori says
I agree with you completely! I think it is the drug companies wanting more money. I am very sad that so many people are deciding to put that junk into their bodies instead of work on building up their immune systems and NOT be so afraid of the flu if they get it!
Kimberly says
We hear you, Kel! The only other thing I do for my family is Elderberry syrup. I make a big batch for winter and give them a slug anytime we’re going to be around a lot of people or if anyone gets a sniffle.
Jill says
An important fact to remember is that at least 80% of viruses that cause flu symptoms are NOT influenza. So most of the cases of “flu” that come into hospital emergency rooms are not influenza at all, but one of hundreds of viruses that cause the exact same symptoms and that come with the same risks for complications as influenza as well. Never let anyone diagnose you or your children with influenza without laboratory testing, because it is impossible to tell the difference between flu-like illnesses and influenza without it. If you talk with people who actually do the testing they will tell you that the majority of “flu” cases are actually other viruses that present with the same symptoms.
We just had a nasty flu-like viruses run through our household–chills, aches, fever, fatigue, headache, cough… you know, “the flu”, right? It’s a virus that is making its rounds through my husband’s therapy clinic–where he is the only full-time staff member who hasn’t had a flu shot (he wears a mask). The flu shot has made no difference whatsoever in avoiding this stuff among his staff members, other than making a few of the staff who got very sick from the shot itself.
Jenny says
Everyone I know that has gotten sick with the “flu” or more common an upper respiratory infection ie”sinus infection” has had the flu shot. Go figure!! And unbelievably they all still tell everyone they know to make sure you get the shot or you will get even sicker. Come on. R people really that gullible, naive whatever. I don’t think they even listen or pay attention to what they r saying. I have an idea. Lets all turn off the tv and radio for awhile so we don’t know whats going on. Might b like it always was. Our grandparents would have just said “Its winter and alot are sick.” Good grief! I am totally, completely, borderline going crazy hearing the idiots in charge work people up and lie! Lie!!!
Jo-Lynne {Musings of a Housewife} says
OMG don’t EVEN get me started!! Now hear me, I do all the “required” vax for my kids. I’m not convinced that they are all bad (although I am sure we do too many…. I started getting informed almost too late to stop, so I just do the scheduled ones now.) BUT this flu shot thing drives me insane. No, I don’t want the flu, of course not, but the way it is marketed is so gross. It just totally turns me off and makes me question the whole thing, for all the reasons you state. We rarely get sick, haven’t had a documented case of the flu ever (knock on wood, I know there’s a first time for everything!!) and don’t eat nearly as well as we should. BUT. We are beefing up our immune systems with CLO and nourishing foods and taking our chances. So, as usual, A to the Men, KEL!!! 🙂
Vikki Cabral says
I work for a health system and we have three Emergency Rooms that have been packed full with patients coming in. My son, who is a paramedic, said that people are calling for ambulances for this kind of thing too. You can thank the media and the CDC for using fear to get people to take the flu shot. Now, people have it in their head that they will die if they get the flu, so they rush to their emergency rooms. They have created this mess! The panic and the hysteria is insane. I’m still having to wear a surgical mask at work, but it has been fine. Thankfully, the health system I work for at least allows that choice (for now).
estremadura says
I am also shocked how people, including adult men are scared of an “influenza”. Agree, that regardless of this fear mongering around the flu , americans like to go to emergency rooms with conditions what “unecucated” village people were able to trreat withoutdifficulties at home for the last 100 -200 years, at least!
I just say laughing that Europe did not fear the arrows of the hungarians as much , as mislead masses fear a flu!
Homemaker says
On the news yesterday they mentioned about getting your flu shot and in the same breath said you still may get the flu even if you get the shot, but to still get the shot!! Why in the world would any bother getting the shot then?!!!?
We haven’t gotten a flu shot in a few years thankfully.
Laura @ Stealthy Mom says
I read your headline, and thought, “No sh*t.” Everywhere you turn there are people in line to get the flu shot. I’m pro choice about that sort of thing, but it is annoying that it is being pushed so hard by people who know it’s a crapshoot! The flu shot is based on a prediction of what strain is coming. Influenza is constantly mutating, so when it arrives it sometimes does not “match” the vaccine. The CDC goobers know this, and are aware of the potential side effects of the shot.