Flu Vaccines - Hype, Hot Topic, or Hokum?
Here is an excellent and informative article that came to our attention today - The Flu Season Campaign Begins By Red Flags Columnist, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny. We have had patients and Wellness Club Members asking us about whether or not to get a flu shot, and this article will help you decide.
The information in this article is new but old at the same time. The techniques described for generating interest, and even panic to create a demand for the Big Drug Companies offerings have been and will continue to be commonplace, and you may be sure that the Big Drug Companies are continually refining these techniques. This is a highly effective way for them to generate free advertising for their products - consider this brief clip from Dr. Tenpenny's article:
"Last year, there were 1026 messages sent via the media between September 21-28. Phrases used included, “this could be the worst flu season ever,” “the flu kills 36,000 people per year” and “the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu.” (6) Even though less than 175 people actually died from influenza in 2003, anticipate exponentially more messages regarding the “deadly flu” will be pushed through the news media this year."
Here is a perfect example of this fear-generating media hype: U.S. Preparing for Global Flu Epidemic - this article uses skewed statistics, scarcity and rationing fears, and even theatrically concerned quotes from government officials to hammer home the "value" of these flu vaccines. Yes, the flu can be a serious illness in weakened or compromised individuals, but mostly it is an annoyance. Yes, if you get the flu, you could feel miserable for a week to ten days. Yes there are a whole bunch of things you can do to help, short of getting one of those "flu shots" that are already being hyped as being in "short supply." Look for an upcoming HealthBeat Newsletter detailing ways to beat colds and flu without resorting to the offerings of the Big Drug Companies.
Wouldn't it be better to have a strong immune system to help you stay healthy? And if you do catch a cold or flu, there are natural ways of making it less severe and shortening the duration of symptoms.Information about preventing and treating the flu can be found here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/coldandflu.htm.
Also, if you are not currently subscribed to the HealthBeat Newsletter, I encourage you to visit our website right now and sign up www.DrMyattsWellnessClub.com. It's a free subscription, packed with information to help you stay healthy!
Cheers,
Nurse mark
Wellness Club website:
www.DrMyattsWellnessClub.com
phone:
1-800-DR.MYATT (376-9288)
fax:
1-520-723-9002
address:
Dr. Myatt's Wellness Club
P.O. Box 3109-RB, Casa Grande, AZ. 85222
