Would You Still Get Yourself Vaccinated?

A recent news have shocked and worsened the fears of many people who are against taking the swine flu vaccines. When Desiree Jennings, a 26 year-old cheerleader for the Washington Redskins, appeared on national TV jerking, twisting, and making slurred speech, everyone is in for the biggest surprise. What was once a picture of health had turned into something unimaginable. This healthy woman’s life has changed for the worst when she got herself a seasonal flu shot at the local grocery store on August the 23rd. Things have never been the same, and it will never change..

Ten days after having her shot, she suffered the flu. Everything then happened fast as her health spiraled down the drain. She had to be hospitalized twice and the simple act of walking has been painfully dealt with tremors. Doctors at the Fairfax Inova and Johns Hopkins have diagnosed her with a rare neurological condition known as Dystonia, which was believed to be triggered by the flu shot. For the record, no known cure still exists on this condition, and it can get worst with the time.

Curious to learn more on this debilitating condition, I have stumbled upon the website of the Dystonia Medical Research and Foundation. According to this organization, both botulinum toxin and flu vaccines are biological products, which means side effects are possible. While there is currently no confirmed data to suggest that taking these concurrently would cause a reaction, given the potential for individual reactions with each, it is reasonable to consider separating them.

At least now, they have a data that can support the claim of many people, ordinary citizens and health professionals alike, that the swine flu vaccine is more dangerous than the flu pandemic itself. However, a press release by medical experts said that this woman is suffering from psychogenic dystonia, or simply suffering this condition as an adverse effect of her psychiatric ability. In short, it’s all in her mind. They could not find any records showing a history of dystonia linked to swine flu vaccines. This will be, then, the first of its kind.

What’s sad about this story is that instead of acknowledging the dangers posed by the swine flu vaccines, a defensive argument is being posed so that the public won’t bail out on these miracle shots. Just because it is a very rare condition doesn’t mean that people should leave their guards down. Flu shots have been linked to neurological disorders like the Guillain Barre Syndrome and instead of dismissing this new case as something ‘mental, ‘ more research should be done on the subject matter. If flu shots can trigger dystonia, tests should be done on people who are at high risks before someone takes another shot.

Imagine the frustration of this unfortunate woman right now, knowing that she will suffer this for the rest of her life, and to say it’s all made up inside her head is just an added insult to her bad luck. Her story might be one in a million, but it can reach millions and awaken them to the truth that they have healthier and natural choices in fighting off diseases. Instead of the promise of instant immunity, people need to find safer alternatives in strengthening one’s immune system. Are we going to wait for a second rare and unexplainable case before we step up and demand for our own healthy choices? Whatever your choice is when it comes to the topic of flu shots, remember that for each action there is always a consequence… and hope that you won’t pay a high price for your choice.

Video on Cheerleader Suffering from Dystonia after a Flu Shot: