New York State
Senator José Peralta — an outspoken proponent of annual flu vaccinations
— died November 22, 2018, at the age of 47 from sudden septic shock
Sepsis is one
of the leading causes of influenza-related deaths. When your immune
system is weak, influenza can weaken it further, allowing a secondary
infection to take hold. Sepsis is typically caused by this secondary
infection
Before vaccines
against the following diseases became available and were routinely
used, the annual death toll in the U.S. from rubella was 17 to 24; mumps
39 to 50, chickenpox 105 to 138 and measles 440 to 552
For comparison,
each year 100 people die from being struck by lightning, 200 die from
choking on food, 350 die from slip and fall accidents in the bath or
shower, 15,000 die from Clostridium difficile infections, 40,000 from
car crashes and 250,000 from medical errors
While some
vaccines have indisputably saved lives, one must also compare the
estimated number of lives saved against the number of people harmed by
that same vaccine. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to
accurately ascertain vaccine-related harm due to severe underreporting
and lack of investigation of serious health problems reported after
vaccination
When it comes to vaccination, it pays to
do a risk-to-benefit evaluation before making up your mind. Public
health officials argue that universal use vaccine recommendations and
vaccine mandates have saved countless lives that would otherwise have
been lost to infectious childhood diseases. What they fail to adequately
address is accurately measuring the overall risk involved.
This applies no matter which vaccine is under question, although some
vaccines are clearly more reactive or less effective than others,
calling into question universal use policies and mandates: the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, HPV vaccine and seasonal influenza vaccines being among the most obvious ones in this regard.
Problematically, many if not all vaccines have the ability to impair
immune function, at least temporarily, which can have devastating
consequences for some people, especially individuals who are more
susceptible to adverse responses to vaccination.1
For example, while it’s unclear what kind of infection caused a New
York State senator to die from sepsis, he had recently received a flu
shot and avoided seeking medical attention thinking his illness was a
routine minor side effect of the vaccine.
As it turns out, sepsis is being increasingly linked to influenza
infection, and is a complication of influenza that people need to be
aware of, even if they’ve been vaccinated, as the flu vaccine can
increase susceptibility to infections. I’ll discuss these issues further
below, but first, let’s take a look at some statistics worthy of
consideration when you’re trying to decide whether to vaccinate yourself
or your children.
Using Mortality Statistics to Evaluate Vaccine Risks and Benefits
A recent Medium article2
addresses vaccine risk-benefit evaluation head-on, providing some
eye-opening statistical comparisons. Before vaccines against the
following diseases became available and were routinely used, the annual
death toll in the U.S. from several of the most common childhood
diseases were as follows:
Chickenpox (varicella): 105 (average) to 138 (peak)6
Measles: 440 (average) to 552 (peak)7
How does the risk of dying from each of these infectious diseases
compare to dying from other causes? Following are a few noteworthy
examples highlighted in the featured article.
Each year, 100 people die from being struck by lightning,8 200 die from choking on food, 350 die from slip and fall accidents in the bath or shower,9 15,000 die from Clostridium difficile infections,10 40,000 from car crashes11 and 250,000 from medical errors.12 Nutritionist Luke Yamaguchi provides this perspective:
“Comparing the numbers, we can see that the odds of dying from
lightning are greater than the odds of dying from rubella, mumps and
rotavirus. ‘Food in the windpipe’ is a greater cause of death than
either the chickenpox or hepatitis A. The measles, on the other hand, is
more deadly than bathing.
If we are not afraid of eating solid food, taking a bath or
walking outside on a rainy day, then why are we afraid of these
infectious diseases?” Yamaguchi asks.13
“If my odds of dying from the chickenpox are about the same as my
odds of dying from a lightning strike, then that is a risk I’m willing
to take … Call me crazy, but I don’t mind playing those odds.
Especially when there are things that I can do proactively to
boost my immune system naturally and reduce my risk of dying from any
infectious disease — not just the ones for which there is a vaccine.”
Harm — The Other Side of the Benefit Equation
The risk-benefit evaluation cannot end there, however. While some
vaccines have indisputably saved lives, one must also compare the
estimated number of lives saved against the number of people harmed by
that same vaccine.
As noted by Yamaguchi, while vaccine benefits have been
well-quantified, virtually no attempt has been made to accurately
quantify the amount of harm done and, without that, you cannot get an
accurate picture of a vaccine’s true value to public health.
Using the measles vaccine
as an example, and without adjusting for population growth, Yamaguchi
estimates some 24,200 lives have been saved by this vaccine over the
past 55 years.
Meanwhile, as of March 31, 2018, more than 89,355 adverse reaction
reports have been filed with the federal Vaccine Adverse Events
Reporting System (VAERS) in the U.S. following vaccination with the
measles vaccine, including 1,657 disabilities and 445 deaths.14
While those statistics still come out in favor of the measles vaccine
saving more lives than it takes, it is important to take into account
the fact that an estimated 99 percent of adverse reactions to vaccines
are never reported to VAERS. As noted in 2011 by the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality:15
“Adverse events from vaccines are common but underreported, with
less than 1 percent reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Low reporting rates preclude or delay the identification of ‘problem’
vaccines, potentially endangering the health of the public. New
surveillance methods for drug and vaccine adverse effects are needed.”
No Definitive Answers for Which Is More Dangerous — Measles or the MMR Vaccine
Once the available VAERS reports are multiplied by 100 to get a more
accurate estimate of the actual harm, you end up with 9 million adverse
reactions associated with the measles vaccine as of March 31, 2018,
including 165,700 disability cases and 44,500 deaths.
Also consider that VAERS was not started until 1990,16 27 years after the introduction of the measles vaccine in the U.S. in 1963,17
so to compare the estimated number of lives saved since the inception
of the vaccine with the estimated number of children harmed, you’d also
have to try to extrapolate numbers of harm for those missing 27 years.
Barring such additional effort, we’re then looking at a loosely
extrapolated estimate of 24,200 lives potentially saved by the measles
vaccine since 1963, versus an equally if not looser estimate of 44,500
deaths potentially caused by the vaccine since 1990. Has mandated use of
the MMR vaccine caused as many deaths as it prevents?
The truth is, no one knows for sure. It is not scientific to simply
assume that the benefits of the MMR vaccine outweigh the risks for every
individual and society as a whole without taking into account that the
estimated harm from measles may have been overstated and the estimated
harm from the vaccine may have been understated. Yet that’s all we get
from health authorities — assumptions masquerading as “facts.”
Clearly, those who push for strict enforcement of laws requiring MMR
vaccine use do not have the required scientific information to
accurately make a reliable estimate of the true benefit of MMR or any
other vaccine. As noted by Physicians for Informed Consent, under the
heading “Is the MMR Vaccine Safer Than Measles?”:18
“A review19
of more than 60 MMR vaccine studies conducted for the Cochrane Library
states, ‘The design and reporting of safety outcomes in MMR vaccine
studies, both pre- and post-marketing, are largely inadequate.’
Because permanent sequalae (aftereffects) from measles, especially in individuals with normal levels of vitamin A, are so rare,20
the level of accuracy of the research studies available is insufficient
to prove that the vaccine causes less death or permanent injury than
measles.”
Senator Dies From Sepsis
There are big gaps in vaccine science research and a troubling lack
of information about the overall benefit of annual influenza
vaccinations. Mounting evidence suggests the administration of annual
flu shots, especially to all infants and children starting in the first
year of life, may be causing immune system dysfunction, which could
become a significant problem for children as they grow up.
New York State Senator José Peralta — an outspoken proponent of
annual flu vaccinations — died November 22, 2018, at the age of 47 from
sudden septic shock.21Sepsis
is a progressive disease process initiated by an aggressive,
dysfunctional immune response to an infection in the bloodstream (which
is why it's sometimes referred to as blood poisoning).
Symptoms of sepsis are often overlooked, even by health
professionals, and without prompt treatment, the condition can be
deadly, as evidenced in Peralta’s case. He had reportedly complained of
“pressure behind his ears and headaches for a week or more,”22 but had largely dismissed his condition thinking it was just side effects from a recent flu shot.
His condition took a sudden turn for the worse on November 20, when
he developed a fever. The following day, he had trouble breathing and
became disoriented, at which point he was admitted to Elmhurst Hospital
in Queens, New York.
Peralta died that evening, apparently from severe sepsis, a serious
complication of infection for individuals whose immune systems are not
functioning well, although the nature of Peralta’s infection and the
precise cause of his death from sepsis apparently remains unclear.
While Peralta had recently received an influenza vaccination,
research shows the flu vaccine often fails to work, and may actually
weaken the immune system, making you more vulnerable to secondary
infections and/or more severe disease.23,24,25 In one study,26 influenza vaccination more than quadrupled children’s risk of contracting an upper respiratory infection.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,27
the 2017-2018 seasonal influenza vaccine’s effectiveness against
“influenza A and influenza B virus infection associated with medically
attended acute respiratory illness” was just 36 percent, meaning there
was a 64 percent chance of contracting influenza even if you got the flu
shot.
Research Highlights Link Between Influenza and Severe Sepsis
Sepsis is actually one of the leading causes of influenza-related
deaths. When your immune system is weak, influenza can weaken it
further, allowing a secondary infection to take hold. Sepsis is
typically caused by this secondary infection, not the influenza
infection itself.
According to researchers, “Severe sepsis is traditionally associated
with bacterial diseases … However, viruses are becoming a growing cause
of severe sepsis worldwide.” As noted in the video above, some sepsis
symptoms also resemble influenza, which can lead to tragedy. The video
offers guidelines on how to tell the difference between the two.
Sepsis, without doubt, requires immediate medical attention, whereas
most people will successfully recover from influenza within a few days
to a week with bedrest and fluids. Just how influenza can lead to sepsis
is a somewhat complex affair, described as follows:28
“Regardless of the etiologic agent, the inflammatory response is
highly interconnected with infection. In the initial response to an
infection, severe sepsis is characterized by a proinflammatory state,
while a progression to an anti-inflammatory state develops and favors
secondary infections …
In the predominant proinflammatory state, Th1 cells activated by
microorganisms increase transcription of proinflammatory cytokines such
as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interferon-γ (INF-γ), and
interleukin-2 (IL-2).
[C]ytokines … released from endothelial cells and subsequently
from macrophages can induce lymphocyte activation and infiltration at
the sites of infection and will exert direct antiviral effects.
Subsequently, with the shift toward an anti-inflammatory state,
activated Th2 cells secrete interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10
(IL-10).
In certain situations, T cells can become anergic, failing to
proliferate and produce cytokines. Type I IFN has a potent
anti-influenza virus activity; it induces transcription of several
interferon stimulated genes, which in turn restrict viral replication.
However, influenza virus developed several mechanisms to evade IFN
response …
Viral infections such as the influenza virus can also trigger
deregulation of the innate immune system with excessive cytokines
release and potential harmful consequences. An abnormal immune response
to influenza can lead to endothelial damage … deregulation of
coagulation, and the consequent alteration of microvascular
permeability, tissue edema and shock.”
Unfortunately, even when properly diagnosed, conventional treatments
for sepsis often fail, and most hospitals have yet to embrace the use of
intravenous (IV) vitamin C, hydrocortisone and thiamine,29 which have been shown to reduce sepsis mortality from 40 to a mere 8.5 percent.30,31
Being aware of this treatment (see below), and insisting on it should
you or someone you love be at risk, could be a real lifesaver. Knowing
what sepsis looks like is also crucial, as early diagnosis and treatment
is crucial.
Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis
Common signs and symptoms of sepsis to watch out for include:32
A high fever
Inability to keep fluids down
Rapid heartbeat; rapid, shallow breathing and/or shortness of breath
Lethargy and/or confusion
Slurred speech, often resembling intoxication
Should a few or all of these be present, seek immediate medical
attention to rule out sepsis. Also inform the medical staff that you
suspect sepsis, as time is of the essence when it comes to treatment. As
noted in the video above, hydration is of utmost importance, as damage
caused by sepsis begins with fluid loss.
Familiarize Yourself With This Life-Saving Sepsis Protocol
If you or a loved one develops sepsis, whether caused by influenza or
some other infection, please remember that a protocol of IV vitamin C
with hydrocortisone and thiamine (vitamin B1) can be lifesaving.33 Tell your doctor and suggest it be part of the treatment — chances are, he or she might not even be aware of it.
This lifesaving sepsis treatment protocol
was developed Dr. Paul Marik, a critical care doctor at Sentara Norfolk
General Hospital in East Virginia, and clinical use has proven it to be
remarkably effective for the treatment of sepsis, reducing mortality
nearly fivefold.
Marik’s retrospective before-after clinical study34,35
showed that giving patients IV vitamin C with hydrocortisone and
vitamin B1 for two days reduced mortality from 40 percent down to 8.5
percent.
Importantly, the treatment has no side effects and is inexpensive,
readily available and simple to administer. There is nothing to lose by
trying it unless the person with sepsis has a specific genetic disorder:
Use of the sepsis treatment protocol is contraindicated if a person is
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient (a genetic disorder).36 G6PD is an enzyme your red blood cells need to maintain membrane integrity.
High-dose IV vitamin C is a strong pro-oxidant, and giving a
pro-oxidant to a G6PD-deficient individual can cause their red blood
cells to rupture, which could have disastrous, even fatal, consequences.
Fortunately, G6PC deficiency is relatively uncommon, and can be
tested for. People of Mediterranean and African decent are at greater
risk of being G6PC deficient. Worldwide, G6PD deficiency is thought to
affect 400 million individuals, and in the U.S., an estimated 1 in 10
African-American males have it.37
How Does the Treatment Work?
Vitamin C
is well-known for its ability to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
Previous research has shown it effectively lowers proinflammatory
cytokines and C-reactive protein.38,39,40 Influenza,41 encephalitis and measles42 have all been successfully treated with high-dose vitamin C.
To investigate the mechanism of action for sepsis, Marik reached out
to John Catravas, Ph.D., a pharmacology researcher at Old Dominion
University. At Marik’s request, Catravas performed an independent lab
study, which confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment. Catravas
cultured endothelial cells from lung tissue and then exposed them to
endotoxins found in patients with sepsis.
Interestingly, vitamin C acts like the steroid hydrocortisone, yet
when either vitamin C or the steroid were administered in isolation,
nothing happened. When administered together, however, the infection was
successfully eradicated and the cells were restored to normal.
The addition of thiamine is also important. Not only is thiamine
required for metabolism of some of the metabolites of vitamin C,
research has also shown many patients with sepsis are vitamin deficient,
and when thiamine is given, it reduces the risk of renal failure and
mortality.
Studies have also shown thiamine can be helpful for a long list of diseases and disorders, including mitochondrial disorders,43 heart failure,44 delirium,45 thyroid fatigue and Hashimoto’s (a thyroid autoimmune disorder).46
These and other health effects may help explain why thiamine works so
well in conjunction with vitamin C and hydrocortisone for sepsis. In
short, the key Marik intuitively stumbled upon was the right combination
of ingredients.
Dr. Craig Coopersmith, a leading sepsis researcher at Emory
University School of Medicine, is currently conducting a multicenter
trial to put Marik’s vitamin C protocol to the test.47 The projected completion date for this study is May 30, 2019.48
Strong Immune Function Minimizes Your Risk of All Sorts of Infections
It’s important to remember that your immune system is your first-line
defense against all types of infections, be they bacterial or viral, so
the most effective way to make it through flu season unscathed and
avoid other infections that may turn deadly is to bolster your immune
function.
While conventional health authorities claim getting an annual flu
shot is the best way to ward off influenza, the medical literature
suggests vitamin D optimization is a very effective strategy in helping
to prevent respiratory infections of all kinds during the flu season.49,50,51 A number of studies52,53,54 have confirmed that people with higher vitamin D levels report fewer bouts of cold or flu.
A scientific review55
published 2017 concluded that people with significant vitamin D
deficiency (blood levels below 10 ng/mL) can cut their risk of
respiratory infection by 50 percent simply by taking a vitamin D
supplement. People with higher vitamin D levels
also benefited but to a lesser degree. Overall, they reduced their risk
by about 10 percent, which the researchers stated was about equal to
the effect of flu vaccines.
Aside from vitamin D,
loading up on vitamins B1 and C may also go a long way toward keeping
you healthy through the flu season and beyond. (Influenza has also been
successfully treated with high-dose vitamin C.56)
Taking zinc
lozenges at the first sign of a cold or flu can also be helpful, as
zinc boosts immune function and plays a vital role in activating your
body’s T cells (white blood cells tasked with destroying infected
cells). For a list of common-sense strategies to further reduce your
risk of sepsis, please see “Vitamin C — A Game Changer in Treatment of Deadly Sepsis.”
No comments:
Post a Comment