Flu Shots And Tamiflu- To Each His Own

Folks are still out there getting their flu shots, and taking Tamiflu if they get sick. Ew, how can they? Each year for the past several, there have been widespread flu alerts with an alarming number of deaths associated with the flu. Don’t buy into the fear and panic about an ‘epidemic’. I am going to guess that many of the flu deaths might have been iatrogenic in nature, for example a person goes to the ER with a terrible flu and having difficulty breathing, and ends up dead, from MRSA contracted in the hospital. The first step to getting well is resist all urge to go to the hospital.

Just for fun (this is how I get my kicks) I went to drugs.com where you can get the unbiased description of drug side effects, and looked up Tamiflu. Now mind you Tamiflu is supposed to relieve flu-like symptoms, so why would anyone take it if it meant risking side effects such as nausea and vomiting which usually are the very symptoms I am trying to get rid of!

Now let’s get real technical and specific here- The most common side effects reported in patients receiving oseltamivir (the active ingredient contained in Tamiflu) during studies for the treatment of influenza, were nausea, vomiting, bronchitis, insomnia, and vertigo. Gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic colitis have also been reported. OMG. Less than 1% of patients discontinued oseltamivir early due to nausea and vomiting although I cannot figure out why anyone would continue under those circumstances.

Side effects in prophylaxis studies were similar to those in treatment studies. Side effects that occurred more frequently than in treatment studies were aches and pains, rhinorrhea, dyspepsia, and upper respiratory tract infections. A good enough reason to avoid the flu shot, although by far not the best reason.

Respiratory side effects have included cough and bronchitis. The incidences were similar or higher among placebo patients and may represent symptoms of underlying influenza infection. Pneumonia has been reported (less than 1%) and may also be a symptom of underlying disease. Nasopharyngitis, congestion, rhinitis, and dry, sore throat have also been reported.
Nervous system side effects have included headache (up to 18%), dizziness, insomnia, and vertigo. The incidences were similar or higher among placebo patients and may represent symptoms of underlying influenza infection. Seizure has been reported during postmarketing experience. Oh, that’s just great.

Psychiatric side effects have included abnormal behavior and delirium (including symptoms such as altered level of consciousness, confusion, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, nightmares) during postmarketing experience. Mania has been reported. Ok….

Delirium and abnormal behavior leading to injury, with fatal outcomes in some cases, in influenza patients receiving oseltamivir have been reported during postmarketing experience (mostly in Japan). Although frequency is unknown, based on oseltamivir usage, these events appear to be uncommon. These events were primarily reported in pediatric patients and often had an abrupt onset and rapid resolution. Since influenza may be associated with a variety of neurologic and behavioral symptoms (including hallucinations, delirium, and abnormal behavior, with fatal outcomes in some cases) and may occur with encephalitis or encephalopathy but can occur without obvious severe disease, oseltamivir’s contribution to these effects has not been established(so they say), but common or uncommon, certainly not worth risking for any positive outcome.

Hematologic side effects have included anemia. Pancytopenia has been reported; however, causality has not been established.
Hypersensitivity side effects have included allergy, anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, and swelling of the face or tongue during postmarketing experience. And you know that anaphylactic shock can cause your throat to close up and cause death?
Dermatologic side effects have included rash, dermatitis, urticaria, eczema, and serious skin reactions (including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme) during postmarketing experience. Just a note- postmarketing surveillance (PMS) is the practice of monitoring the safety of a pharmaceutical drug or device after it has been released on the market.

Hepatic side effects have included hepatitis and abnormal liver function tests during postmarketing experience. Hepatic failure has been reported but they say no deaths due to liver failure, but who would really know for sure?

Cardiovascular side effects have included unstable angina, and sudden cardiopulmonary arrest has been reported as well as arrhythmia during postmarketing experience.
Metabolic side effects have included aggravation of diabetes and hyperglycemia during postmarketing experience.

Immunologic side effects have included sepsis.
Musculoskeletal side effects have included arthralgia in at least one patient.

Other side effects have included fatigue, humerus fracture, pyrexia, and peritonsillar abscess, drowsiness and malaise, and hypothermia has been reported during postmarketing experience.

Having said all that, I think I would rather take my chances with the flu. But better yet, I carry my geo touch device (small plastic sleeve with magnet on back) with a packet of paper doctor patterns, and always touch ‘prevent cold’ and ‘environmental toxicity’ when out in the market place. I’m always on a Sai Sanjeevini prophylactic flu pattern at home. Our dining room table is our triage, hospital, and recovering center! You may also use ‘influenzium 200c’ twice over 3 weeks prior to flu season, as a prophylactic, or as a flu relief remedy if you have gotten the flu. There are a myriad of homeopathic remedies and energy charts to nurse you through the flu, as well as teas, oils, and of course, honey and cinnamon. I don’t know about you, but I have taken allopathic medicines and treatments, out of the mix.