Medical Myths and Misinformation

In the afternoons I usually listen to Michael Baisden Radio show, he discusses multiple topics both comical and controversial. But one show in particular caught my attention, he was talking about the H1N1 vaccine. And to sum up his point of view, he is against the vaccine. And I can understand his concern as a parent wondering what are the side effects. But there are alot of myths and incorrect information flying around. For instance, the hype surrounding the H1N1 flu virus is really blown way out of proportion. Yes its the flu and should be taken seriously especially with those who have compromised immune systems, infants and the elderly. BUT, it is still just the flu, and a viral strain of the flu that has not been seen for sometime, if you really want to be scared of the flu google: 1918 Spanish Flu. There is also the widely used belief that the flu vaccine itself will make you sick. That too is untrue. The vaccine is basically, a dead virus that is placed into your body so that your immune system will see this virus attack it and create a memory of it. Thus, when you encounter the REAL virus, your immune system will have antibodies already in place and quickly shut down the virus before it can even start.

The other myth I want to touch on quickly before I depart is that "Public Option" is a bad idea. Now like most tax paying Americans, the thought of MORE MONEY going out of our pockets disagrees with me as well. However, I much rather have my money going towards something humane, such as taking care of the sick, than some wall street executives who are trying to cover their own asses. The Obama Healthcare proposal is a good idea and honestly the best idea that has been presented. Did you know that, 137,000 people DIED from 2000 through 2006 because they lacked health insurance(factcheck.org)? That is not even counting the number of uninsured people hospitalized or that sought out medical treatment in that time frame. Im just saying, having a public option in which you dont have to worry about increasing premiums, being denied for preexisting conditions, or being denied because there is a loophole in the coverage; is a good thing. If anything the public option is a reworking and extending Medicaid. But remember this is an option not a mandate. And also remember that this will provide competition with the other insurance companies making them lower their premiums and give better deals to us the consumer, in essence saving us money.

Work like everything depends on you, Pray like everything depends on God.


Doc Q