Flu Vaccine is No Miracle Drug: Various research studies question the effectiveness of the annual flu shot, says Dr. Jack M. Wolfson.

People are getting ready for the flu season, and big money is at stake in its prevention, treatment and sale of over-the-counter drugs to address symptoms. However, a study published in the journal The Lancet found that the flu vaccine did not prevent pneumonia in elderly patients, the major cause of hospitalization and death in those infected with a flu virus strain.

There have been reports of flu shots preventing heart attacks, but according to a recent review in the Cochrane Database, “In patients with cardiovascular disease, influenza vaccination may reduce cardiovascular mortality and combined cardiovascular events. However, studies had some risk of bias, and results were not always consistent, so additional higher-quality evidence is necessary to confirm these findings. Not enough evidence was available to establish whether influenza vaccination has a role to play in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.”

What this means is that if someone has never had a heart attack, the flu shot won't prevent one. If they have had a heart attack, the flu shot may help, but quality evidence is lacking.

Although some studies found benefit to patients that received a flu vaccine, it may not be worth injecting known toxins into our system. Notable ingredients in the flu vaccine include mercury, in the form of thimerosal, formaldehyde (cancer-causing agent), antibiotics and polysorbate 80, a known allergen.

There are other ways to boost our immune system naturally by adhering to a low-sugar, Paleo diet. Sugar damages the immune system, while vitamins A, C and D can be effective during the flu season. Get sleep and regular chiropractic care. Wash hands frequently with natural soaps and give the body what it needs to get the job done.

Jack M. Wolfson, DO, FACC, is the owner of Wolfson Integrative Cardiology, 10585 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. D-135, in Paradise Valley. Contact him at 480-535-6844 or WolfsonIntegrativeCardiology.com.