Editor’s Note: The writer is not a medical doctor. However, he has had personal experience with the effects of flu shots and has completed extensive research with a number of professionals and agencies. Ten years ago after receiving a flu shot, Yount was paralyzed for three months with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.He still deals with side effects.



For several years the Centers for Disease Control has employed behaviorists and communications specialists to instill fear and anxiety in the public about infectious diseases in order to promote mass vaccination.

But the rhetoric about flu risks have been especially exaggerated. Example: The CDC says there will be between 36,000 to 70,000 or more deaths in the U.S. caused by the flu each year. Do you know how many people died from influenza in 2002? Would you believe 753, and only 257 in 2001?

Search online “Trends in Pneumonia and Influenza/Morbidity and Mortality,” and look on page 9 of the American Lung Association stats. Over the last 23 years (every other year stats) the average U.S. death rate is about 1,200 per year from influenza. So, how does the CDC come up with 36,000 to 70,000 deaths from influenza? They add influenza and pneumonia together, but influenza is not a direct cause of pneumonia.

You may hear health professionals attempt to justify the legitimacy of combining flu deaths with pneumonia deaths with the statement that “influenza leads to pneumonia.” The facts do not support this frequent, broad misstatement by health professionals. The American Lung Association describes pneumonia as having over 30 different causes. Neither the CDC nor ALA know the specific causes of the pneumonias that resulted in death. However, we do know that influenza is not the major cause.

Keep in mind that the influenza vaccine provides no protection from bacterial infections. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease as well as other health agencies estimate that the single bacteria — streptococcus pneumoniae — is responsible for 15 percent to 50 percent of all cases of pneumonia in the U.S., including up to 40,000 deaths annually.

Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Pertussis (whooping cough), Streptococci, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a common cause of walking pneumonia). There are also many non-infectious causes of pneumonia such as asthma, aspiration of fluids, immunodeficiency, etc. So, it stretches credibility to assert that the flu causes pneumonia when, in fact, the data shows that it only causes a small minority of cases.

Because of the recent flu vaccine shortage the CDC said that healthy people under the age of 65 should do without a flu shot. But, there is also data that shows there is little, if any, benefit in those over age 65 in preventing influenza, hospitalization, length of hospitalization, and death. In fact, some studies show an increase in risks for those over age 65.

So even if there were enough flu vaccines, why would you be urged to get one? The CDC just said that healthy people under the age of 65 can do without a flu shot. Those of you who take care of your immune system year round don’t have anything to worry about.

The question you want to ask yourself is “Do I really want to have a vaccine injected into my body when my immune system is not in the best of shape?” Before you decide just how easy this decision is to make, Let me explain a few things which will make the decision a little easier.

This year’s flu strains were decided in February. In my opinion this is for one reason — it gives the vaccine manufacturers time to produce the vaccine. This is real rocket science, because this is for people that will get the flu in December-January, and based on a “Crystal Ball Theory” from about 30 “experts” based on the flu viruses that invaded the U.S. last year — what flu viruses? We didn’t have any.

The biggest problem you face with flu shots is that you are being injected with a number of toxic additives. How would you like to have antifreeze injected into your body? Don’t worry, they call it ethylene glycol...makes it sound better doesn’t it? Or formaldehyde? (to kill viruses). Here’s the best one — a mercury derivative called Thimerosal (used as a preservative).

Are there safer alternatives to the flu shot? Of course there are. Lose the sweets. Sugar compromises the immune system. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and fresh organic meat protein. Wash your hands more often as many people are walking around with colds, you may be shaking hands and touching things others have. How about zinc? Fifty milligrams per day will help prevent colds and flu.

Luther B. Yount, Jr. lives in Charlestown. Comments can be sent to him via e-mail at jethro@insightbb.com.