Do you guys feel that H5N1(Avian Influenza) poses a real threat of the next pandemic?

[bru333]

Just because you get the flu after you get a flu shot doesn't mean the shot caused the flu. The two events are not necessarily related. The shot could have been ineffective or not been administered in time and you end up getting sick in spite of having gotten a flu shot. Influenza vaccines are made up of dead viruses, from which it is impossible to get the virus.

I know. I'm mostly being flip with them, since I very rarley get sick. Some alergy symptoms in the spring, but never a cold or flu. I've been sick once in the last 8 years. I know people that get colds and such every year.

[Steel2686]

I know. I'm mostly being flip with them, since I very rarley get sick. Some alergy symptoms in the spring, but never a cold or flu. I've been sick once in the last 8 years. I know people that get colds and such every year.

I'm good for an annual battle with bronchitis. The flu (*knocking on wood*) is never a problem with me.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Last time I had the flu was when I was 15. Since then I've gotten a flu shot every year (except last year with the shortages). Haven't gotten the flu in the last 14 years now. I took the new nasal spray this year. They say it has active virus in it. Had no problem at all with that.

I'll keep taking it when I can. It's MUCH better than having to go through the actual flu again. That was NO fun!!

[fastTa]

Last time I had the flu was when I was 15. Since then I've gotten a flu shot every year (except last year with the shortages). Haven't gotten the flu in the last 14 years now. I took the new nasal spray this year. They say it has active virus in it. Had no problem at all with that.

I'll keep taking it when I can. It's MUCH better than having to go through the actual flu again. That was NO fun!!

Yep, the FluMist contains LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) or a weakened virus. Even though it has the ever so slight potential to actually cause the Flu, those who are healthy will not likely obtain the Flu from FluMist. This is supposed to be much more effective than the traditional shot.

[fastTa]

Good reading...
I was aware that most vaccinations are methyl mercury free. The one that I still believe contained it was flu vaccinations and my doc confirmed this. But I will research this more. The other one that brings concern is the MMR vaccination. I know there is still debate between the connection MMR and autism. My county has the high rate of autism in the state. I'm till my kid is a little older before he gets his MMR. Infact My doc is the only one locally that gives MMR shot as individual vaccinations. Just piece of mind for me. Nice to see other folks not with their head in the sand on these issues.

I don't have any children yet, so admittedly I didn't know much about the MMR except that it was for Measels, Mumps, and Rubella. So I did some reading on the FDA website. It seems that MMR never contained Thimerosal. I have also heard reports and rumors of the link between Autism and Thimerosal, but according to the FDA there is no such scientific evidence to establish such a link.

http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm

That's good news to me and to your kids.

I hope my Big Berkey filters that out. I hate being reminded whats in tap water.

You ain't kidding. They approved the addition of Fluorine to our public water system a few years back. Fluorine has been shown to be a neurotoxin that is especially harmful to children. You can't even imagine the turmoil that caused.