Immune health and the outbreak: People are questioning conventional authority. Good or bad?

Posted on October 23rd, 2009 by Craig Maltby, Editor

Immune health and the outbreak: People are questioning conventional authority. Good or bad?

I recently joined WEGO Health, an online health community that appears to have lot of activity. It doesn’t have the flue shot bulk numbers that other places like WebMD has (who does??), but it is growing and is generating a lot of original discussion. My friending activity has produced several dozen cohorts in just a few weeks.

Recently, I asked the forum about flu shots? Who is getting a flu shot? Why or why not? Some of the answers were very interesting and very genuine:

Janeen: “I already got the regular flu shot. I’m not sure I can get the H1N1. Wasn’t there a restriction that pregnant women, babies and the elderly got it first? If not, then I’ll get it. My youngest has asthma and a severe egg allergy and is high risk. He can’t get it due to the egg allergy so the rest of us in the house get the shots to try and shield him the best we can. I’m not concerned for me. It’s my son that concerns me.”

Ellen S: “In the past we have gotten flu shots if my family’s autoimmune issues aren’t flaring badly. This year I’m not sure what we’ll do to be honest. With autoimmunity a real issue and much more of a battle I really want to know what I’m getting. I am not so worried about thimerosol preservatives, but the adjuvant controversies have got me concerned. I do NOT need a more tweaked out immune system hurting me further. Wish I was better informed about them to tell the truth.”

Dindin: “Sign me up, Dude (my WEGO handle is Immunedude). Give me any and all shots that are available. I’ve already had the seasonal flu (outrageously early this year!), and I have no desire to get another strain and/or H1N1.Not to be rude, but I honestly don’t understand those who don’t get shots. Can you explain your rationale a bit more?”

DK: “Hubby and I got the regular shot three weeks ago. I have mild asthma and he had severe bronchitis this summer, still has a cough. Hubby is extremely healthy, but had five surgeries earlier this year after February’s horrific bicycling accident. Doctor says all the anesthesia made his broncial tubes susceptible, so i’m not messing around with flu this year. H1N1 is not yet here and, frankly, I’m a bit leary of it. There’s a big anti-vaccine movement here – and this is a big medical town! Scarier still, the movement is lead by healthcare workers! Don’t know what to think about that..”

As you can see, this is a complicated dynamic. I’m sure in earlier days, before the social media onslaught, many more people would be getting the shots simply because the public health establishment told them to. Not any more. I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing.