Is There Reason to Worry About New “Most Lethal” Bird Flu Strain?
May 07, 2013
Story at-a-glance
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According to the World Health Organization, a new strain of bird
flu, H7N9, is “one of the most lethal” flu viruses. While it has
killed 22 in China, researchers have found NO evidence of
sustained transmission between people, which is a prerequisite
for a pandemic flu virus
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Pandemic vaccines are a high-profit, low-risk venture for
vaccine makers. They make billions of dollars in revenue while
being shielded from liability if the vaccine turns out to be
hazardous, like it turned out to be in 2009. They also save
money on development, since they can forgo either animal- or
human testing—or in an emergency situation, both
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So far, pandemic flu threats have never been, and likely never
will be, anywhere near as lethal as predicted. In recent years
we've seen a number of hyped flu pandemics that never
materialized. What many don’t realize is that the WHO and CDC
and related agencies actually need these faux flu emergencies to
fine-tune their strategies and test the latest disease
surveillance systems. They also need them to justify their own
growth and expansion
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A healthy immune system is your best and primary defense against
any viral threat. Guidelines to help you maintain a robust
immune defense are included
By Dr. Mercola
Yep, it’s time for yet another pandemic flu drill... “WHO
says new bird strain is "one of most lethal" flu viruses,”
Reuters1
recently declared.
Every few years, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and related
agencies drum up another flu emergency; each promised to be
worse than the last, and this year you’re likely to start
hearing a lot more about “lethal bird flu” again.
What many don’t realize is that these agencies actually need
these faux flu emergencies to practice — to fine-tune
their strategies and test the latest disease surveillance
systems.
They also need them to justify their own existence, not to
mention growth and expansion. As noted in a recent article by
Medical News Today2:
“After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. and
the potential threat of bioterrorism, many new advanced
systems for disease surveillance and notification have been
developed and implemented throughout the world.
The goal of these systems is not only to detect a
possible biological attack, but to characterize emerging
pathogens so that a public health response can be
implemented rapidly.
'You can't test these systems on a day-to-day basis,'
says... Michael A. Stoto, PhD... 'The only way to test these
systems is how they perform in a real public health
emergency.'
... 'What really made a difference in 2009 was that
people from the US and Mexico talked to each other through a
formalized system of communication,' he says. 'I think
taxpayers and policymakers want to know if the billions
invested after 9-11 to prepare for a biological event is
paying off. I think the answer is 'yes.'"
One Profitable Flu Hoax After Another...
So far, these pandemic threats have never been anywhere
near as lethal as predicted. Unfortunately, many are still
hopelessly addicted to fear, so these dramatic warnings will
likely continue to be successful in enabling WHO and CDC health
officials to accumulate more power and control.
Hyping fear of microorganisms has already led to an increase in
the numbers of state
vaccine mandates, which are now threatening people’s health
and right to get an education or keep a job.
In recent years, we've seen a number of aggressively hyped
flu pandemics that were based more on media spin than on hard
science and never materialized.
While it's prudent to be aware that a pandemic involving a
mutated, lethal microorganism could occur in the
future, what we've repeatedly seen is that the possibility has
been massively over-sold in the past, allowing drug companies to
rake in
billions of dollars for fast-tracked, inadequately tested
vaccines and other dangerous and/or ineffective anti-viral
drugs.
Sadly, each time a greater number of people tend to end up
being harmed by the drugs and ”pandemic” vaccines than actually
succumb to the viral infection.
- The 2005 bird flu hoax: Headlines
warned the U.S. was facing a cataclysmic extermination
event, with a projected two million Americans at risk of
potentially succumbing to the
bird flu. The best case scenario had public health
experts warning that the bird flu could kill at least
200,000 Americans. Then, as now, constant references to the
tragic 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic heightened the fear factor
to a fever pitch, despite the fact that the scientific data
did not support any of these hyped claims.
Of course, 200,000 people in the US did not die from bird
flu in 2005. The number was zero. I even wrote a NY
Times best seller book on the topic,
The Great Bird Flu Hoax.
At that time, they mysteriously translated the minuscule
number of deaths of bird handlers that had occurred
worldwide into an impending extermination-level event from a
virus that did not — and still does not — readily spread
from birds to humans, nor between humans.
Most of the people who acquire the infection were, and
still are, bird handlers in continuous contact with sick
birds. How anyone in their right mind could envision similar
circumstances among the general population of the United
States is a mystery, but it goes to show that it's unwise to
throw common sense to the wind...
- Bird flu hoax repeats: In
2006, 2007, and again in
2008, hyped warnings over the bird flu were repeatedly
exposed as little more than a cruel hoax, designed to
instill fear and line the pocketbooks of industry and
various vested individuals.
- The 2009 swine flu hoax: After four
consecutive years of bird flu warnings that just refused to
come to fruition, the H1N1 swine flu became front-page news
again. This turned out to be yet another faux threat that
cost tax payers billions for fast-tracked vaccines, which
wrought havoc across the world. Ironically, the 2009 H1N1
"pandemic" actually turned out to be one of the
MILDEST flu seasons in recent years with a low number of
reported influenza-related deaths.
Meanwhile, the fast-tracked 2009
H1N1 vaccine turned out to be the most reactive flu
vaccine ever created, harming far more people than the virus
itself.
- The dire predictions of 2012: The
summer of
2012 was filled with dire predictions of bird flu
sufficiently mutating to cause a human pandemic, immediately
followed by urgent calls for fast-tracked vaccines.
New Bird Flu Strain ‘One of the Most Lethal’ WHO Claims
If we are to believe recent reports3,
a new more easily transmittable strain of bird flu has emerged
in China, reportedly killing 22 people since its discovery in
March. According to a World Health Organization (WHO)
spokesperson, the strain is far more lethal than another strain
of bird flu that has “killed hundreds” since 2003. According to
the featured article4:
“The H7N9 flu has infected 108 people in China since
it was first detected in March, according to the
Geneva-based WHO. Although it is not clear exactly how
people are being infected, experts say they see no evidence
so far of the most worrisome scenario — sustained
transmission between people. An international team of
scientists led by the WHO and the Chinese government
conducted a five-day investigation in China, but said they
were no closer to determining whether the virus might become
transmissible between people.
... Another bird flu strain - H5N1 - has killed 30 of
the 45 people it infected in China between 2003 and 2013,
and although the H7N9 strain in the current outbreak has a
lower fatality rate to date, Fukuda said: 'This is
definitely one of the most lethal influenza viruses that
we've seen so far.' ... Based on the evidence, 'this virus
is more easily transmissible from poultry to humans than
H5N1...'"
While each death is tragic, flu death statistics can’t
compare to the death toll wrought by pharmaceutical drugs and
vaccines. If you want to protect your health, at least compare
the odds. In 2009/2010, many who gambled on the fast-tracked
pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine sacrificed their health and in
some cases their lives to what at final count turned out to be
one of the mildest flu seasons in years. An estimated 125,000
people die each year in the US from prescription medications
taken correctly as prescribed. And in just six years (from 2006
to 2013), more than 100 deaths were reported after vaccination
with the HPV vaccine
Gardasil.
No investigation or remedial action whatsoever has been
launched by public health authorities in response to these
“lethal medicine” statistics. Yet, each time a new influenza
virus is identified, we’re supposed to “do the right thing”
without asking any questions —meaning, “just get your damn
vaccine,” as so bluntly stated by NBC’s Dr. Nancy Snyderman
during the 2009 swine flu pandemic debacle. That wouldn’t be
such a problematic demand were it not for the fact that pandemic
flu vaccines are virtually untested in adequate clinical trials
before they are released to the public, and therefore carry
unknown risks over and above the “normal” risk you take with any
vaccination.
H7N9 Vaccine At Least 6 Weeks Away
To further feed people’s stomach-churning anxiety over
potentially lethal bird flu viruses proliferating and mutating,
current media articles warn that the remedy, an H7N9 vaccine, is
still several weeks away from being developed.
“If the strain proves to be a candidate for a
pandemic outbreak, it might be a while before health
professionals have a vaccine to protect against the strain,
according to Joseph Kim, president of Inovio, a
California-based company that is currently in the initial
stages of developing an H7N9 vaccine,” US News writes5.
'The fastest we'd be able to have a vaccine to test
in animals for H7N9 would probably be 4-6 weeks from now,'
he says.... Under normal circumstances, the path from animal
testing to 'small scale human tests' to full approval takes
another couple months 'in an accelerated path,' Kim says.
But in the case of a pandemic, the animal
testing stage is sometimes skipped and the vaccine is
immediately used to treat humans. 'In a pandemic setting,
you can potentially grow the vaccine and use them without
human testing in emergency cases,' Kim says.”
[Emphasis mine]
And therein lies the rub. Pandemic vaccines are among the
most high-profit and low-risk business ventures for vaccine
makers. They stand to make billions of dollars in revenue while
being completely shielded from liability if the vaccine turns
out to be hazardous, like it turned out to be in 2009. Not to
mention they save a ton of money on development, since drug
companies can duck under FDA standard pre-licensure testing
regulations and skip certain types of either animal or human
testing—or BOTH! It’s a triple-win for liability free vaccine
manufacturers assured of big profits and a risky game of Vaccine
Roulette for you.
This macabre situation was created in the U.S. when Congress
passed the 2006 Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act
(the PREP Act), which is part of the “Bioshield” legislation Big
Pharma lobbied for and was enacted following 9-11 reportedly to
address national “biosecurity” concerns. The PREP Act removes
your right to a trial jury in a civil court unless you can
provide clear evidence of willful misconduct by the vaccine
maker that resulted in death or serious physical injury. But
first, you must apply for and be granted permission
to sue by the DHHS Secretary.
The most problematic aspect of the PREP Act is that it
removes all financial incentive to make a safe product in the
first place. In fact, vaccine makers now have a negative
incentive to test it for safety, because if they are
aware of problems, then they could potentially be held
liable for willful misconduct! As long as they can prove they
"didn't know" of any problem — a statement widely used during
the 2009/2010 season — they will not be liable for damages.
Hence it's in their best interest to know as little as possible
about the adverse reactions it might cause.
How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu Without Vaccination
Be prepared to hear more fear mongering about the H7N9 bird
flu. In the meantime, I'd like to remind you that a healthy
immune system is your best and primary defense against any
viral threat. Following these simple guidelines will help you
keep your immune system in optimal working order so that you're
far less likely to acquire the infection to begin with. Or, if
you do get sick with type A or B influenza, you are better
prepared to recover without serious complications—which by the
way will give you a longer lasting naturally acquired immunity
to the strain of influenza you experienced.
- Optimize Your Gut Flora. This may be
the single most important strategy you can implement as the
bacteria in your gut have enormous control of your immune
response. The best way to improve your beneficial bacteria
ratio is to avoid sugars as they will feed the pathogenic
bacteria. Additionally, processed foods and most grains
should be limited and replaced with healthy fats like
coconut oil, avocados, olives, olive oil, butter, eggs and
nuts. Once you change your diet, then regular use of
fermented foods can radically optimize the function of your
immune response.
- Optimize your vitamin D levels. As I've
previously reported, optimizing your vitamin D levels is one
of the absolute best strategies for
avoiding infections of ALL kinds, and vitamin D
deficiency may actually be the true
culprit behind the seasonality of the flu – not the flu
virus itself. This is probably the single most important and
least expensive action you can take. Regularly
monitor your vitamin D levels to confirm your levels are
within the therapeutic range of 50-70 ng/ml.
Ideally, you'll want to get all your vitamin D from sun
exposure or a safe tanning bed, but you can also take an
oral vitamin D3 supplement. According to the latest review
by Carole Baggerly (Grassrootshealth.org), adults need about
8,000 IU's a day to reach a serum level of 40 ng/ml. Be sure
to take vitamin K2 if you are taking oral vitamin D as it
has a powerful synergy and will help prevent vitamin D
toxicity.
- Avoid Sugar and Processed Foods. Sugar
impairs the quality of your immune response almost
immediately, and as you likely know, a healthy immune system
is one of the most important keys to fighting off viruses
and other illness. It also can decimate your beneficial
bacteria and feed the pathogenic yeast and viruses. Be aware
that sugar (typically in the form of high fructose corn
syrup) is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup
and fruit juice. If you are healthy, then sugar can be
consumed but the LAST thing you should be eating when you
are sick is sugar.
- Get Plenty of Rest. Just like it
becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if
you're tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be
harder for it to fight the flu. Be sure to check out my
article
Guide to a Good Night's Sleep for some great tips to
help you get quality rest.
- Have Effective Tools to Address Stress.
We all face some stress every day, but if stress becomes
overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off
the flu and other illness. If you feel that stress is taking
a toll on your health, consider using an energy psychology
tool such as the Emotional
Freedom Technique, which is remarkably effective in
relieving stress associated with all kinds of events, from
work to family to trauma.
- Get Regular Exercise. When you
exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood
flow throughout your body. The components of your immune
system are also better circulated, which means your immune
system has a better chance of responding to infection before
it spreads. Be sure to stay hydrated – drink plenty of
fluids, especially water. However, it would be wise to
radically reduce the intensity of your workouts while you
are sick. No Peak Fitness exercises until you are better.
- Take a High-Quality Source of Animal-Based
Omega-3 Fats. Increase your intake of healthy and
essential fats like the omega-3 found in krill oil, which is
crucial for maintaining health. It is also vitally important
to avoid damaged omega-6 oils that are trans fats and in
processed foods as it will seriously damage your immune
response.
- Wash Your Hands.
Washing your hands will decrease your likelihood of
spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. Be
sure you don't use antibacterial soap for this –
antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary, and they
cause far more harm than good. Instead, identify a simple
chemical-free soap that you can switch your family to.
- Tried and True Hygiene Measures. In
addition to washing your hands regularly, cover your mouth
and nose when you cough or sneeze. If possible, avoid close
contact with those, who are sick and, if you are sick, avoid
close contact with those who are well.
- Use Natural Immune Boosters. Examples
include oil of oregano and garlic. Unlike pharmaceutical
drugs, these do not appear to lead to resistance, so they
can be used again and again.
- Avoid Hospitals. I'd recommend you stay
away from hospitals unless you're having an emergency and
need expert medical care, as hospitals are prime breeding
grounds for infections of all kinds. The best place to get
plenty of rest and recover from illness that is not
life-threatening is usually in the comfort of your own home.
Protect Your Right to Informed Consent and Defend Vaccine
Exemptions
With all the uncertainty surrounding the safety and efficacy
of vaccines, it's critical to protect your right to informed
consent to vaccination and fight to protect and expand vaccine
exemptions in state public health laws. The best way to do this
is to get personally involved with your state legislators and
the leaders in your community.
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY.
Mass vaccination policies are made at the federal level but
vaccine laws are made at the state level. It is at the state
level where your action to protect your vaccine choice rights
can have the greatest impact. It is critical for EVERYONE to get
involved now in standing up for the legal right to make vaccine
choices in America because those choices are being threatened by
lobbyists representing drug companies, medical trade
associations and public health officials, who are trying to
persuade legislators to strip all vaccine exemptions from public
health laws.
Signing up for NVIC's free Advocacy Portal at
www.NVICAdvocacy.org
gives you immediate, easy access to your own state legislators
on your Smart Phone or computer so you can make your voice
heard. You will be kept up-to-date on the latest state bills
threatening your vaccine choices and get practical, useful
information to help you become an effective vaccine choice
advocate in your own community. Also, when national vaccine
issues come up, you will have the up-to-date information and
call to action items you need at your fingertips..
So please, as your first step,
sign up for
the NVIC Advocacy Portal.
Share Your Story with the Media and People You Know
If you or a family member has suffered a serious vaccine
reaction, injury or death, please talk about it. If we don't
share information and experiences with each other, everybody
feels alone and afraid to speak up. Write a letter to the editor
if you have a different perspective on a vaccine story that
appears in your local newspaper. Make a call in to a radio talk
show that is only presenting one side of the vaccine story.
I must be frank with you; you have to be brave because you
might be strongly criticized for daring to talk about the "other
side" of the vaccine story. Be prepared for it and have the
courage to not back down. Only by sharing our perspective and
what we know to be true about vaccination will the public
conversation about vaccination open up so people are not afraid
to talk about it.
We cannot allow the drug companies and medical trade
associations funded by drug companies or public health officials
promoting forced use of a growing list of vaccines to dominate
the conversation about vaccination. The vaccine injured cannot
be swept under the carpet and treated like nothing more than
"statistically acceptable collateral damage" of national
one-size-fits-all mandatory vaccination policies that put way
too many people at risk for injury and death. We shouldn't be
treating people like guinea pigs instead of human beings.
Internet Resources Where You Can Learn More
I encourage you to visit the following web pages on the
National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) website at
www.NVIC.org:
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NVIC
Memorial for Vaccine Victims: View descriptions
and photos of children and adults, who have suffered vaccine
reactions, injuries and deaths. If you or your child
experiences an adverse vaccine event, please consider
posting and sharing your story here.
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If
You Vaccinate, Ask 8 Questions: Learn how to
recognize vaccine reaction symptoms and prevent vaccine
injuries.
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Vaccine Freedom Wall: View or post descriptions
of harassment and sanctions by doctors, employers, school
and health officials for making independent vaccine choices.
Connect with Your Doctor or Find a New One that Will Listen and
Care
If your pediatrician or doctor refuses to provide medical
care to you or your child unless you agree to get vaccines you
don't want, I strongly encourage you to have the courage to
find another doctor. Harassment, intimidation, and refusal
of medical care is becoming the modus operandi of the medical
establishment in an effort to stop the change in attitude of
many parents about vaccinations after they become truly educated
about health and vaccination.
However, there is hope.
At least 15 percent of young doctors recently polled admit
that they're starting to adopt a more individualized approach to
vaccinations in direct response to the vaccine safety concerns
of parents. It is good news that there is a growing number of
smart young doctors, who prefer to work as partners with parents
in making personalized vaccine decisions for children, including
delaying vaccinations or giving children fewer vaccines on the
same day or continuing to provide medical care for those
families, who decline use of one or more vaccines.
So take the time to locate a doctor, who treats you with
compassion and respect and is willing to work with you to do
what is right for your child.
© Copyright 1997-2013 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/07/h7n9-bird-flu.aspx
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