To the editor:
The swine flu "pandemic" is in the news. As you may be aware, the word "pandemic" does not refer to this flu being dangerous, but only that it has spread rapidly. The potential harm from the swine flu virus in its present form seems to be minimal.
As one authority has put it, your chances of being struck by lightning are 23 times greater than the chance of contracting and dying from the swine flu.
The minimal risk from this "flu" notwithstanding, it appears that there is a major push by governments to vaccinate against this flu strain. Based upon this country's experience with a similar strain in 1976 and vaccination efforts to deal with it, there may be much greater potential harm from being vaccinated against the swine flu than is posed by the flu itself.
Despite what appears to be minimal harm from this flu strain, it appears that a major push may be underway for vaccinations in schools this fall, and even for the population at large. This, despite what seems to have been little available time for TESTING the vaccine for harmful effects, AND our inability to bring legal action against the manufacturers if harm results. You get hurt or die from the vaccination, too bad for you.
As individuals, parents, or grandparents, you obviously will want to make your own judgment calls as to whether your loved ones should have this largely untested vaccination. For my part, if they were my family members, I would find MANY excuses for NOT vaccinating them. Instead, I would have at hand, materials known to be protective against influenza, in particular vitamin D and the homeopathic remedy Oscillococcinum. Both of these are available from local health food stores. Be aware that you may want to take far more vitamin D than we used to think was necessary for good health. Consult the Web site www.vitaminDcouncil.org for more information on this valuable supplement. It's run by MDs who seem well acquainted with recent research.
You will also be able to order from that site, a home test kit for vitamin D level, for a very reasonable price. Low vitamin D is associated with so many conditions that it is wise to know that your levels are near optimum, especially in this coming flu season.
Charles Reinert ND, PhD
Tracy