As we approach “flu season”, a misnomer of the causality of increased flu and flu-like illness, we have to determine what our plan of action will be to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Never in history has it been more apparent than now. However, determining what the best plan is can be very difficult. As I alluded to in my opening sentence, “flu-season” is a misnomer of the causality of increased flu and flu-like illness. Understand there is NO SUCH THING AS FLU SEASON! What we have is a season of immune suppression!! We have a candy holiday followed by a pie holiday followed by a cookie and candy cane holiday followed by a booze holiday During this time of year most people are more stressed than ever. Nearly all of these events are met with increased sugar consumption, increased alcohol consumption for those who partake, decreased sleep, decreased time outdoors with sun exposure causing decreased natural Vit D levels, and the stress of gift buying on a budget. All these things are proven immune suppressors! This is the true cause of increased FLU-LIKE illness. I call it “flu-like” because there are over 219 KNOWN viruses that can infect humans and we act like there are only a few (flu, common cold, corona) that we worry about. What about the rest of them?!?! A proper name for this would be “Holiday-induced-immuno-suppressant-season” or H.I.I.S.S for short. . 

Many people turn to the  flu shot in a search for protection. Artificially stimulating the immune system in an attempt to decrease our chances of contracting the flu. Does it work and are there any risks? First let’s examine the effectiveness of the shot. The CDC reports that the flu shot is not nearly foolproof. On average “flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population” BUT PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE VERY NEXT PART “during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.”1 What does that mean? In simple terms, there are 10’s of 1000’s of flu viruses and they are constantly mutating and changing. In order to attempt to produce an effective flu shot doctors and scientists GUESS at what version of the virus they expect to be most prevalent the following year and then they go about producing the shot. YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT, IT IS 100% EDUCATED GUESS WORK….. This is exactly why we see in very poor years that the flu shot is at best 19% effective. Now you may be thinking, “Well Dr B., 19% is better than no protection…” However, this is not taking into consideration the negative effects associated with the flu shot. Brace yourself! 

In a research article from 2020 published by the NIH (National Institute of Health) titled “Increased risk of noninfluenza respiratory virus infections associated with receipt of inactivated influenza vaccine”, the researchers stated, “We randomized 115 children to trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) or placebo. Over the following 9 months, TIV recipients had an increased risk of virologically-confirmed non-influenza infections. Being protected against influenza, TIV recipients may lack temporary non-specific immunity that protects against other respiratory viruses.” They go on to state that ““Other viruses” included coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus.”2 In simple terms, according to the data there was a 20% higher incidence of respiratory infection (INCLUDING CORONAVIRUS) in those who received the flu shot versus those who had no flu shot!! This data alone should make everyone stop and think! Even if there is some level of protection to the flu but simultaneously increased risk of other infection, you’ve robbed Peter to pay Paul… 

Did you know that flu shots contain formaldehyde, thimerosal (a mercury derivative which is a heavy metal!) egg proteins (these can cause allergic reaction when injected vs ingested!) antibiotics, and polysorbate 80. Let’s take a quick look at the most concerning three.

1. Formaldehyde- According to OSHA, “Ingestion of formaldehyde can be fatal, and long-term exposure to low levels in the air or on the skin can cause asthma-like respiratory problems and skin irritation such as dermatitis and itching. Concentrations of 100 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).”2 

I point out INGESTION VS INJECTION. When something is ingested (eaten/swallowed) your body has protective mechanisms to dismantle and degrade that substance and generally it becomes less harmful. For one, it gets “watered down” in your gut with other things like food and stomach acid. Secondly, your stomach acid will go to work breaking this stuff down- its stronger than battery acid!! Third, the brilliance in your body’s innate intelligence can respond to ingestion with vomiting and/or diarrhea if needed to immediately and quickly expel dangerous chemicals. However, when you inject something directly to the bloodstream, you bypass these natural defenses and there is no way to get these chemicals out. This is true for all chemicals, not only formaldehyde. 

1. Thimerosal- “Thimerosal can be toxic to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord!), kidneys, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Prolonged and/or repeated exposure to thimerosal greatly increases the risk of this substance causing damage to these organs. Moreover, thimerosal is a known irritant of the skin, eyes, respiratory, and digestive systems.”3 I highlight repeated exposure because medically, doctors urge patients to get the flu shot ANNUALLY and in some instances multiple doses per year! 
2. Polysorbate 80- “In animal studies, polysorbate 80 has been associated with a profound and sustained decrease in blood pressure.” This is not a healthy option for lowering blood pressure FYI. “Polysorbate 80 has been associated with a number of adverse events. In food, small concentrations of undigested polysorbate 80 may enhance bacterial translocation across intestinal epithelia, a potential explanation for an observed increase in the incidence of Crohn’s disease. In drug formulations, polysorbate 80 has been implicated in a number of systemic reactions (e.g., hypersensitivity, non allergic anaphylaxis, rash) and injection- and infusion-site adverse events (ISAEs; e.g., pain, erythema, thrombophlebitis). Polysorbate 80 has also been implicated in cases of renal and liver toxicity.”4 

So for me and my family the answer is simple, lets boost and support our natural defenses instead of attempting to circumvent our personal responsibility with a toxic pharmaceutical. Increase your immune supporting supplements; Vit D3, Vit C, Zinc, electrolytes/minerals, and Elderberry syrup with raw local honey.. ALL IMMUNE SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT DESK AND ON SALE NOW!! Decrease sugar consumption and maintain a healthy diet even through the holiday season. Get plenty of rest. Get adjusted! Research proves that adjustments increase interleukin-2 which is the neurotransmitter responsible for activating our immune system!! Every time you get adjusted you ensure your immune system maintains optimum performance! For more information, tips, and how to access resources to naturally boost your immune system speak to your Clairton Family Chiropractic Team! 

1- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm

2- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22423139/   

3-https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/formaldehyde-factsheet.html#:~:text=Ingestion%20of%20formaldehyde%20can%20be,life%20and%20health%20(IDLH)

4- https://naturalpedia.com/thimerosal-toxicity-side-effects-diseases-and-environmental-impacts.html

5- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6015121/