It’s worth what you pay for it

It’s worth what you pay for it

EDITOR:

Once again the Mahoning County Board of Health is trying to unload unwanted flu vaccines. This time it’s the nasal spray recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49. Scratching my head, I’m wondering why “healthy” people need to get a flu vaccine? Well, it’s not for them necessarily, it’s to help prevent the spread of flu, so elderly and sickly people won’t contract the flu. Sadly, this is a flawed theory.

Here are some interesting facts about Flumist pulled directly from the Medimmune Flumist package insert:

“The most common side effects include cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability, headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever > 100 ∞ F.”

Is it just me, or does that sound like the actual flu?

In the section of the FluMist package insert labeled “PRECAUTIONS,” the manufacturer states the following warning:

“FluMist Æ recipients should avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals for at least 21 days.”

The warning is specifically directed toward those living in the same household with an immunocompromised person. But, wouldn’t these people be putting everyone in the community at risk that they come into contact with who suffer with compromised immune systems, as they go around shedding the live flu virus?

According to Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, D.O., a physician in the Cleveland area, the number of immunocompromised people in the United States is enormous.

Dr. Tenpenny states:

“It is estimated that at least 10 percent, or more than 28 million people have eczema. More than 8.5 million people have cancer.

“There are reported to be 850,000 individuals with diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection or AIDS and based on 2001 data, there were 184,000 organ recipients

“An even more extensive list of at-risk people includes the untold millions on drugs called corticosteroids. Prednisone Æ, Medrol Æ, and a variety of similar medications that are given to adults and children. These drugs are prescribed for dozens of conditions including asthma, allergies, eczema, emphysema, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, herniated spinal discs, acute muscular pain syndromes and all types of rheumatoid and autoimmune diseases. As much as 60 percent of the entire population could be considered to be “chemically immunosuppressed.” It is important to realize that FluMist is contraindicated for people who are immunocompromised. So people who receive FluMist, and are living with an immunocompromised person are actually putting their loved ones at risk.”

Ask yourself this: why is it free? I would guess no one in their right mind, if adequately informed, would pay for these side effects and risk the health of their vulnerable loved ones. Free Flumist? Thanks, but no thanks.

ANDREA KELLER

Canfield

Cut the Senate perks

EDITOR:

I can hardly wait to learn how much the senators who voted against the loan bill to the Detroit automakers have declined — not salary because that would be asking far too much of these elitists — but the perks they have, i.e., the free haircuts, the free meals, the free postage, the bloated staffs, receiving their payments in spite of their absences, and on and on. This also, would not affect their bloated retirements, but might, just might, give the taxpayers a bit of a break for a change.

By the way, what governmental agency in the United States would be in a position to afford the unemployment checks to the laid off workers affected by the shutdown of General Motors and Chrysler and all others involved in the automotive industry? Most states, it is my understanding, are in the position of budget shortfalls. The federal unemployment tax that is levied to employers would not sustain payment for the multitude of people who would have been put on unemployment by these ignorant senators.

SHIRLEY A. BARTLETT

Youngstown