I am in a bit of a quandary.
My uncertainty is with regards to the H1N1 flu bug that, according to the media, will soon grow to pandemic proportions.
Do I listen to the media?
Or do I follow my own skeptical heart?
For one, I am doubtful and mistrusting of the pharmaceutical industry - that which holds our health care system within its sovereign grip.
Indeed, the science of medicine has come a long way across the past two centuries. It has increased the understanding of how our bodies work on a physical level and how disease affects our bodies on that same plane.
But I believe our health is much more than the sum of those two parts.
It is a whole - an entirety.
A combination of things we can see and feel.
As well as a composition of those that are ethereal and intangible.
There is, too, a difference between the medical industry and the creation of drugs in an attempt to heal us. We have to keep in mind that, for every drug that masks or corrects a symptom, there are side effects - sometimes deadly ones.
This leads to what I feel is another misconception - the idea that our doctor can heal us. A doctor cannot heal us.
We mend ourselves.
We are responsible for our own health and healing - whether it is physical, psychological or spiritual. We do fall ill, that is a truth - some more ill than others and we do what we may, depending upon the circumstances.
But we are in charge, whether we believe it or not.
Secondly, I am very skeptical of the media. Our news has gone from reporting circumstances within our immediate locale, to satisfying a lust for sensation, through vivid detail pertaining to war and famine, to depicting ghastly acts of violence upon each other and warnings of impending pandemics.
All on a global scale.
These accounts have mutated from simply maintaining public awareness to an attempt at keeping us bound within the clutches of fear - the most powerful and perfidious means of control.
Furthermore, it is imperative that we heed and accept our own responsibilities. We have to be culpable for our singular actions - and reactions. Instead of allowing others to dictate, by following along as sheep to slaughter, we are obliged to gather up the reins and steer our own direction - to reason and decide what is best for us on our own terms. Doing this, and doing it within the confines of what is socially acceptable is not easy.
But it must be done.
Life is difficult but, in the end, it will become far more so, as long as we continue to permit outside influences to do the thinking for us.
I could go on and, veritably, I could argue on both sides of the fence. It is a fine line and I have merely scratched the surface.
But again I look back upon my original dilemma...
Do I have my children immunized against swine flu or not?
My instinct, albeit cynical, yet which I trust most implicitly, tells me No.
Then my head speaks to me with the logic of the press, saying Yes - for how could I forgive myself?
I weigh the chances.
I keep myself informed.
But, I do not fear.
Dale, what a thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteI had to make the to innoculate or not to innoculate debate myself recently when after a flock of turkeys was reported infected, my boss informed Tony and myself we had to get the H1N1 shot.
Now, neither of us believes much in flu shots in general, I the conspiracy theorist in my believes we have likely caused the influenza virus to mutate so regularly BECAUSE of the damn flu shot.
The near fanatical reaction to the H1N1 that seems to demand all headlines right now is to me more frightening than the virus itself. And the media has a large part in that blame. Pandemics are not a new thing in our human history. Nor will they ever, I do not believe, ever cease to occur at random intervals.
The pandemic I see now is one of paranoia.
I think everyone should make their own choice regarding this issue. Perhaps if I were not a generally healthy, young (40 on Tuesday, but still hanging onto young!) I might give the shot more consideration, but like you Dale, I think our health and well being is for the most part in our own court. While I am not foolish enough to believe I will never become ill just because I do not believe I will, I do believe that I have avoided many sick days by taking care of myself (though smoking does counter that statement to a degree) and by trying to remain positive even when the chips are down.
When we start to fear every germ, virus, bacteria and microbe I am certain we weaken our immune systems a great deal. We can never avoid illness altogether, and I totally agree doctors play only a small part in how we overcome illness and injury. Healing is so often confined to the conventional, but traditional, homoepathic, naturopathic... the list goes on... healing techniques that often include how we think and care for ourselves can play such a dramatic role in our lives.
I could go on, but I have to go feed alapcas.... Loved this post.
Ah Steph!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have a large piece of the conspiracy theory gene. Maybe my right brain is kicking in, despite a lifetime of left-brained training - another conspiracy right there.
I often think the ones hoodwinking us are the hoodwinked themselves...
For some absurd reason, humanity seems to think we live in a small 100-year timeframe.
Poppycock, I say! We have to look at the larger picture, as well.
I could go on, but I have children to feed!
Thanks for your own though-provoking input, Steph!
lol! I am sure your children were more vocally appreciative than the alapcas!
ReplyDeleteA small post script:
Tony and I chose not to get the shot, partly because our vet told us she has never heard of a ruminid getting the flu, and in part because we just do not believe it is a good choice for us.
On media, most reporter become reporters because they want to inform and educate.
Sadly, all too often editing for space, bias (try as we might, often it sneaks in in the form of more coverage of one side or one part of an issue), and sensationaling results in 120 point headlines and mass hysteria, which is frankly what I think this whole H1N1 thing is.
Yes, it is scary. But so is cancer, so is HIV, so is hepatitis, so is a car accident, or allergic reaction, or heart attack, or stroke... well, you get the point.
We have to make informed choices about every aspect of ourt life, follow our gut instinct and sometimes, be ready to alter out point of view in order to do all these things.
Lord I could go on and on... but enough already!
And hey, you have Ns again!!!!
...and Life is scary.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, Steph, I only scratched the surface.
I could go on and on and on...too.
And yes, N has reappeared - in this case in the guise of the backspace key!
Like Jean Luc, I will continue to be haunted.
xx
Hi Dale,
ReplyDeletelots of food for thought in your post. For now, I am taking a wait and see approach before getting the shot. I think there is panic, lots of misinformation, and I am not convinced that the shot itself is worth taking for those of us healthy. I think taking good care of yourself day to day is the best prevention. I just hope that when it does hit, parents will keep their children at home.
CBC reported tonight that we are wrongly thinking it is mostly affecting healthy, young people. The numbers don't bear this out, apparently. I wish the media would stop being... well, the media. I agree- the pandemic is one of paranoia and fear.
Stay healthy, everyone.
xx
AM
that is a tough one to decide, because you have children whether or not to vaccinate. I myself, believe that the media is such a culprit of creating histeria amongst the masses. and we cannot rely on others, such as the government or doctors to tell us this way or that way, like you say we must take responsibilities for our actions and make our own decisions based on research and information. too many of the population are like stepford wives, and just follow along....
ReplyDeleteme, I am a bit of a germaphobe, so I take every precaution. a client joked with me the other day, that with all the chemicals I touch and inhale, and as much as my hands are in water, germs don't stand a chance. lol it was funny. I watch people when I am out and about, people on a whole, are very dirty and not aware of sanitization. I was in the grocery store not long ago, and watched these 2 youngs girls (don't ask my why) they put there mouths on the handle of the refrig. case of sodas. ?? I told a store employee and she caught them. the Mom didn't care. I could go on! but that is an example of how germs are spread so easily, could you imagine the poor person who went in innocently to get a soda and had no idea it was full of these kids saliva on the handle. it makes me shudder. just one more, one of my pet peeves, is don't like your fingers trying to grasp the paper money! I hate that. customers do it, the store clerk does it. the waiter etc. think about it!!
Well thought blog Dale...I for one, won't be getting the shot. I don't believe in vaccines that have not been run through proper trials for side effects, nor had a clinical review after data is in. Many nurses out here are refusing the shot. I am not one for flu shots anyway as I have a bad reaction to shots in general. I would rather build up my immune system.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Dale - these were our stats in Australia for the month of July
ReplyDeleteSYDNEY, July 16 (Reuters) - As many as 6,000 people could die from H1N1 in Australia this season in a "worst case scenario" if no preventive measures or vaccines are found, Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon said on Thursday
It never happened !
I knew many people that were affected by the H1N1 virus and all of them were fine.
Yes, very thought-provoking reflections here, Dale. As has been stated frequently by medical sources, more people die each year from "typical" influenza than have died from this "swine" flu. I received a list yesterday from the school that had an entire page filled with criteria for those "who should NOT get the H1N1" vaccine. Directly opposed to the "typical" influenza vaccine, this list clearly excluded people with certain "chronic health issues" ... I find it all very confusing. My youngest son is allergic to eggs, so he cannot receive any injection with chicken embryo base. Most/all flu vaccines are such.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it continues to be very hard to make an informed choice on health issues (as noted by the 6 of you) because there *is* so much misinformation. Even our doctors opinions can be confusing because the information changes so often, they truly may not have the most accurate info. So, for now I have to decide against it.
We had flu illness here twice since August. So, it makes no sense for us to get immunized for something we more than likely have already had. I read last week that most states in the U.S., as well as other countries, have stopped "counting" flu cases. It's all so bizarre.
It's not even controlled chaos. It's just plain chaos. It gives me pause from a religious-spiritual frame of reference.
Yes, sometimes I feel as if the general population is one big experiment for big pharma and gov't agencies that support such things.
Signed,
Not Wanting to be a Guinea Pig.
lol
xo
Wow, such feedback. Before I go on, thanks to all! Your insights are all worth merit.
ReplyDeleteSteph, I want to add that I was interested in your view as a reporter. I see that you have not become blind to the trees because of the forest!
Anne-Marie, I do agree that children must be kept home - for several reasons. Firstly, is the obvious, to avoid the spread of the illness. Secondly, at home a child will get the rest and care needed to combat sickness. Also, at home (most) children will receive the other necessities to boost the immune system, such as love and feelings of security.
I was brought up that one went to school come hell or high water, but I am not so convinced of that now. Of course, education is very important, but it is not the be all and end all. One can also receive a decent education (life) outside of the classroom, too. A good balance is healthy.
Fortunately, we live in an area where my children have the opportunity to be exposed to many different experiences, but no matter where one lives, one can learn!
But, back to my original line of thought, taking care of oneself as a matter of course is very important!
And the media will be the media - "we" have to decide.
lol Grace, you might have to worry in the other direction - being too sanitized!
Myself, I am not much of a germophobe. Of course, public places demand a certain amount of awareness and, of course, personal hygene is a must. But children will be children and exposure to the odd "germ" can help build a stronger immune system. I am sure my kids tried to slobber on the odd shopping cart handle and I, in turn, educated them about the fact that it's not clean. Some things you can lick and some things you can't! That's part of my job as a mother.
"Wash your face and hands, brush your teeth, have regular showers, wash in and behind your ears and remember your privates, keep your hair clean and brushed, clip your nails and change your underwear daily..." I'm sure my kids think I sound like a broken record (not that they know what a broken record is).
And money has to be the most dirty thing of all. We never know where it has been - but we do know it has been everywhere! So we only need to leave that up to the imagination.
A further item on the "do not lick" list...
String, I agree about the fact that this vaccine has not been proven yet. I am also one to believe that our immune systems are there for a reason. It's good to keep informed, but I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon just because others are - who knows where the precipice might be.
Destiny! Good to see you here.
Yours looks like another example of mass hysteria-mongering. It's a good thing it never happened. H1N1, or whatever name one puts to it, is the flu. Albeit a new strain, but it is still the flu. I personally don't know of anyone who has had it, but there are a few in my area who do or have had it.
Tink, I've heard the same about the swine flu and "regular" flu. And it is all so confusing - that is why I want to listen to my instinct and my heart. And give pause from a spiritual point of view, as well.
Having children who have issues such as yours, you must be poignantly aware of the pros and cons of the pharmaceutical industry from a "help or hinder" perspective.
And I don't want to be a guinea pig, either.
As Jack watches me from his cosy cage... ;)
Thanks again for all your thoughts!
xx
I would also like to add that I have been listening to the news lately (which I usually don't do) and the first headline, without fail, is H1N1. I hear it so much that it is becoming tiresome.
ReplyDeleteAlso, several weeks ago, the news was that the media is worried too many people are not terrified of the swine flu... go figure.
Some who were interviewed had the (healthy) outlook that, "if I get it, I will deal with it then"...
The lighting and carrying of the Olympic Flame is catching up in the headlines.
Finally, a fresh story to report!
Just wanted to thank Destiny for posting on what has been going on in OZ, as it was worrisome - they were supposed to have mass casualties...and obviously did not. I was going to email and ask, but now, thanks to Dale, don't have to!
ReplyDeleteI for one did get the shot yesterday. Last year I had a long stretch of sickness involving pneumonia, asthma and bronchitis. It did me a lot of personal harm so I didn't want to take any chances.
ReplyDeleteWhile I too am skeptical of the pharmaceutical industry - I do listen health care providers (including homeopaths etc.). I also listen to the facts regarding the spanish flu in 1918.
The media - huh. The media is a business for ratings. The higher ratings a media outlet has, the higher they can charge for advertising. Sensational news and sensational delivery of news attracts a wider audience. It's a never-ending cycle.
I had to wait SIX HOURS!!!! If I had known I would have waited until the numbers dwindled. But, with all the hype from the media, government and WHO - I can't blame the public (including me) for reacting the way it did. However, I do blame the public health care system for making it so tiresome to get the shot. After getting the shot I was so tired and hungry. I ordered in and fell asleep. Today I have a sore throat a mild fever and a cough! Don't think it's H1N1 - but if it is at least I have the shot to help minimize the symptoms.
p.s.: another reason why I think the crowds were so large is because a young 13 y/o hockey player in the greater Toronto area contracted H1N1 last Saturday and died 72 hours later on Tuesday. Now at least three other players on his team have contracted the disease. This isn't hype - but fact so those parents that I spoke to in line who were "sitting on the fence" were swayed to get it.
I wasn't aware of the "mass casualties" prediction in Australia, String.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that most do not realise that is what in fact is happening - a pandemic of panic - hence the "sheep" analogy.
Lesley, you are among the few who have pre-existing conditions for which the vaccine might be helpful. But the vaccine has not been proven, and that concerns me. You say you woke up with symptoms... possibly a reaction to the antitoxin?
For example, a very good friend of mine, who was young, healthy and strong, had a regular seasonal flu shot, even though she had never had the flu. It was offered free of charge through her workplace.
That winter she was down for over a month with a very serious case of flu...
I am certain the bottom line has much to do with its development, as well.
Hope you're feeling right as rain asap, Lesley!
xx
Hi Dale, Yeah, I'm feeling a under the weather today, but started having symptoms on Wednesday evening while on the ice curling. I think the wait for the shot - rather than the shot itself accelerated things. Thankfully I had some nice homemade chicken soup in the freezer that I enjoyed today.
ReplyDeleteok guys, after such serious discussion, I feel compelled to post this, which my doctor friend Shannon sent me. Incidentally, I felled by this the morning after I spent two nights at Dale's house....
ReplyDeleteThe next pandemic!
I went to a dinner party last night, where I and other guests enjoyed copious amounts of alcohol.
I awoke this morning not feeling well, with what could be described as flu-like symptoms; headache, nausea, chills, sore eyes, etc.
From the results of some initial testing, I have unfortunately tested positive for what experts are now calling Wine Flu.
This debilitating condition is very serious - and it appears this is not an isolated case.
Reports are flooding in from all around the country of others diagnosed with Wine Flu. To anyone that starts to exhibit the aforementioned tell-tale signs, experts are recommending a cup of tea and a bit of a lie down.
However, should your condition worsen, you should immediately hire a DVD and take some Advil (Advil seems to be the only drug available that has been proven to help combat this unusual type of flu). Others are reporting a McDonald's Happy Meal can also help in some cases. If not, then further application of the original liquid, in similar quantities to the original dose, has been shown to do the trick.
Wine Flu does not need to be life threatening and, if treated early, can be eradicated within a 24-48 hour period.
NOTE!
You find you are complaining a lot, it may be that it has mutated into Whine Flu. This is particularly common in men and can quickly spread to their partners where the symptoms are detected as a serious case of eye-rolling.
6h dear, I've missed two days of blogdom and see what a fascinating discussion has gone on without me!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my comment brief though. Dale your post is so well written and argued. Brilliant! Ove here, there is also a lot of 'news' about this flu, but I have to wonder how many people would be getting flu under normal conditions anyway? I expect quite a lot. It's that time of year isn't it? So the reality is foggy and unclear. What would the normal statistics be?
I also have a deep mistrust of the pharma industry, so my decision? To believe it is largely hype, and not to buy in to the general hysteria. I am not having the flu shot, neither is Koos and neither are my two daughters.
Stevie, I too am suffering from Wine flu this morning, and it's rapidly progressing into the much wors Whine flu...lol!
The side effect seems to be illiteracy too..6h? wors? Ove? Perhaps the precautions should be a spelling test...
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have time to rest up, Lesley. There is nothing like a hot bowl of chicken soup, a downy duvet and a good book when one is feeling under the weather!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better very soon!
xo
Steph, that is fabulous - and, indeed, so true!
I cannot imagine going through that bout of wine flu without you! A vitamin drink and a bucket of strawberry yogurt work well, too!
;)
lol Val! The spelling test would be that which the authorities would press upon us if we were to be stopped while wining and driving... just blow into the machine and watch the alphabet fly!
Back to the main idea, though.
By my original post, and subsequent comments, I have come to the conclusion that I will not be having the vaccination.
I do believe that was my original intuition, but putting it into words often helps with the decision-making process. I do not want it for my children, either, but that is something that I will have to discuss with their father.
Hopefully, all the arguments on this page will be useful if we come to a stalemate regarding the children being vaccinated.
Thanks again for all your words of wisdom - and humour!
xx
Having now managed to read all the comments here = I just skimmed through them before - I just want to add my final tuppence worth, although I suppose I needn't really, as quite simply I agree with you Dale, Stevie, Anne Marie, Tink and String.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I can understand fully the horror of seeing proper hygiene ignored. I sometimes see it myself and shudder. But I can't help remembering all the stuff my kids shoved into their mouths, the undoubtedly germ-ridden floors they crawled across on the farm in Africa, and the general daily dirt they encountered as part and parcel of their start in life. They survived, nay even flourished, and were never ill as children and never missed school.
As a result, I can only assume that part of a child's ability to build up immunity is some necessary contact with common germs. As adults, we benefit from this immunity despite our increased awareness of good hygiene. I sometimes wonder then if those who seem to be very vulnerable have had an over protected upbringing, and have been sheltered from contact with normal germs. Maybe they have no natural resistance then when new viruses break out. I don't know and have no evidence to support this idea, but I do wonder...