Some Research Based Insights on H1N1

Squalene or any other adjuvant (aluminum) supposedly is not in the current vaccine according to CDC. However, it, or some other adjuvant may be added in the future to make the vaccine more efficient especially in kids under 9 years of age.

The flu vaccine in 1987 caused 25 deaths and lots of cases of Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) beyond the regular rate (possibly due to squalene) – against one death due to H1N1.

Vaccine efficacy is not known as there have not been any studies; Norvatis is using efficiency studies from regular seasonal flu vaccines as the production process is exactly the same. However, there are some new production processes under way involving insect and animal cell cultures rather than egg, to see if the vaccine production can be accelerated – no studies what so ever on those processes.

According to Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews of 50 to 64 studies of healthy children, healthy adults and elderly living in nursing homes respectively, regular seasonal flu shots were effective in preventing the flu in 33% (children), 6% (adults), and insignificant in elderly. Several studies showed either aggravation or no prevention of aggravation in asthmatic kids.


According to recent CDC statement and the summary report from Australia, where the flu season has ended without the expected epidemic, actual flu cases and deaths from flu are the same or less than regular seasonal flu. They stopped testing for H1N1 in July so there really is no way of knowing how many cases have actually been H1N1 and how many cases of flu-like symptoms were due to the regular flu virus. A recent CBS news study evaluated state wide records (when they were still testing for H1N1) and the actual percentage of H1N1 out of all flu-like illness ranged between 2 and 19%. (CDC statements still falsely reflect the opinion that over 90% of all flu is due to H1N1)

Remember that the H1N1 virus has two genes that have to be turned for it to turn into a devastating epidemic – the infective one and the virulent one; so far there is only evidence that the infective gene is turned on. This virus is different in that it affects young children and middle aged adults in uncharacteristic seasonal waves. Understand that getting sick with a good fever exercises your immune system and provides long term immunity against this virus which is important in case it comes back with the second gene (the virulence one) turned on down the road.

Yours in health,
Pamela

H1N1 and Fever Phobia

One mistake I think most parents and even many doctors make is to rush to suppress a fever, perhaps because it gives the false sense that you are getting your child better. You are not, what you are doing is interfering with the immune system’s effort to fight the virus and in effect making your child worse. I think particularly with H1N1 that using fever reducing medication is a mistake. The fever helps the immune system fight the virus, if you suppress the fever you help the virus. Fevers are rarely ever dangerous to the person, even high ones provided they are for short periods of time (less than a day) so long as you keep the person hydrated. If the person is prone to febrile seizures that's the one exception. A high fever can be a sign of meningitis so should be taken seriously and certainly shouldn't be ignored, but the fever itself is not the problem and lowering the immune system's defence mechanism is not improving your child’s health and is counterproductive.

My best advice: avoid fever reducing medication, don't ignore the fever though, see your doctor any time you are concerned and keep yourself and your children healthy – eat well, avoid sugar and processed foods, sleep well, reduce stress and exercise outdoors daily in moderation.

This blog information is not intended to take the place of medical advice. If you are concerned, see your doctor.

H1N1 Vaccine - Mercury and Squalene

FAQ - I Heard The Mercury in the Vaccine is Only About the Same as in a Can of Tuna, Does that Mean it's Safe?  

I think that part of the problem with the mercury is that it is a cumulative thing. Children get it in some vaccines still, we are all exposed through air and water pollution and there is some in our food supply.   Women of childbearing age are advised to not consume tuna at all, so clearly the amount in a can of tuna can be of concern for an adult and therefore certainly would be a concern for a child. 

FAQ - What Else is in the H1N1 Flu Vaccine? 

I have heard that there is also something called squalene in the adult version which is an adjuvant, something that makes the body react stronger to the vaccine.  Apparently squalene can possibly provoke auto-immune conditions. I have seen one young girl who developed severe rheumatoid arthritis immediately after the HPV vaccine but these adverse reactions are not being reported. Her parents were told by doctors at Sick Kids that the vaccine and the Rheumatoid Arthritis were unrelated.  How many other severe adverse effects are being ignored so that the consumer gets a false impression of safety of these vaccines?

H1N1 - Vaccine or no vaccine?

It's been a frightening week what with the recent death of a young Etobicoke boy from H1N1.  I've been inundated with questions about whether to get the vaccine or not.  I wish I had a crystal ball and could provide definitive answers, I'm afraid I don't.  The best advice I can give is to do what you are doing and read and educate yourself about all the possible benefits and risks and make an informed decision where you feel that you can live with the consequences either way.  Given that it's a brand new vaccine, we don't know much about side effects or efficacy, we do know that it contains mercury and squalene.

What I would recommend is being vigilant, if you suspect you or your child may have H1N1, proceed to the nearest emergency room ASAP and push for appropriate testing and treatment. Be suspicious if you or your child have a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Fever and cough are particularly important. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

For naturopathic flu prevention and treatment my colleague Dr. Daniel Chong has written some excellent, very well researched blog posts, so rather than re-invent the wheel I'll refer you to him. One thing I will point out from his articles is that echinacea is NOT appropriate for treating H1N1. Please read what Dr. Chong has to say:

http://nalukainaturalhealth.blogspot.com/

I think the scariest part is not knowing what to do.  By educating yourself and those around you on how to stay healthy, I hope to empower you and alleviate some of the fear and anxiety.