Gearing Up for the Flu SeasonCatherine J. Frompovich One has to keep in mind that some flu vaccines have mercury (Hg) in the form of Thimerosal in several multi-dose vial vaccines, that is, those vials from which healthcare professionals can fill empty syringes in their offices, not manufacturers prefilled syringes. If you are of the belief that a flu vaccine is helpful but want to avoid mercury in flu vaccines, then you ought to make certain that you receive a manufacturers prefilled-syringe-flu-vaccine. That is key with the exception of the Fluvirin 0.5 mL one dose prefilled syringe, which contains some Thimerosal. For information about prefilled syringes, please see Flu Vaccine Approved in Prefilled Syringe. Since mercury in vaccines is of concern, readers may want to know that the following flu vaccines contain Thimerosal, which is 49.6% Hg ethylmercury: Trivalent Vaccines Afluria 5.0 mL multi-dose vialone 0.5mL jab will contain 24.5 g Hg package insert here. FluLaval 5.0 mL multi-dose vialone 0.5 mL jab will contain less than 25g Hg package insert here. Fluvirin 0.5 mL one dose prefilled syringe will contain 1 g Hg5.0 mL multi-dose vialone 0.5 mL jab will contain 25 g Hgpackage insert here. Fluzone 5.0 mL multi-dose vialone 0.5 mL jab will contain 25 g Hgpackage insert here. FluLaval Quadrivalent 5.0 mL multi-dose vialone jab will contain 25 g Hgpackage insert here. Please keep in mind that one (1) microgram (g) equals 0.0010 milligram (mg). FluMist Quadrivalent is a live-attenuated vaccine that can shed vaccine virus to others,but has no mercury in its 0.2 mL prefilled intranasal sprayerpackage insert here. Package inserts are provided for flu vaccines in this article because they contain important information that consumers should know before receiving any vaccine. Thats part of the informed consent process every savvy healthcare consumer should practice. Be certain to read the package inserts carefully, especially with regard to Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions, and Adverse Reactions. Historically, there have been problems with flu vaccines and one in particular, the 1976 swine flu, was notorious for over four thousand individuals having experienced adverse reactions, especially contracting Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS). 60 Minutes reporter Mike Wallace conducted a journalistic investigation of the campaign to get the public to take that vaccine and the results of what happened to some consumers who took the 1976 swine flu vaccine and contracted GBS. See this outstanding 8-minute, 60 Minutes journalism report that never was broadcast Mike Wallace discusses the 1976 swine flu problems with government officials, who apparently say they did not know ofor deniedthere were neurological complications and problems with that swine flu vaccine. Hear wiggle words when Mike Wallace confronts an official. Listen to obfuscation, which apparently is standard procedure. Wallace discusses the marketing scheme to get consumers to take that 1976 flu shot. As part of that marketing campaign, TV actress Mary Tyler Moore was enlisted as receiving the swine flu vaccine, but told Mike Wallace that she did not take it. Listen as Mary explains what really happened, and how apparent falsehoods were fashioned into media spin. Does that still happen? Further along in the 60 Minutes investigation, which apparently was banned and never aired but still is making the rounds on YouTube, as discussions go on about compensating GBS patients and Judy Roberts, who wears leg braces resulting from contracting GBS, plus the apparent run around those patients were getting back then. It seems nothing may have changed over the years, including fear-and-persuasion flu vaccination campaigns. Why are such fear tactics necessary? The answer probably is because they may be persuasive. Do your vaccine information homework, including learning that the CDC says flu vaccine does not work and a better flu vaccine is needed. See thisand this. What health conscious consumers canand shoulddo now is to fortify ones immune system by gearing up for the coming flu season to avoid contracting seasonal flu by eating organically-grown foods, no GMOs and junk foods; getting a handle on your vitamin D levels; consider vitamin C supplementation and the herb Echinacea to fortify your immune system; and look into homeopathic remedies and supplements to have on hand just in case you think you may be coming down with the flu. Amazon.com has a great selection of homeopathic flu remedies. Its not too early to begin an offensive against seasonal influenza. Catherine J Frompovich (website) is a retired natural nutritionist who earned advanced degrees in Nutrition and Holistic Health Sciences, Certification in Orthomolecular Theory and Practice plus Paralegal Studies. Her work has been published in national and airline magazines since the early 1980s. Catherine authored numerous books on health issues along with co-authoring papers and monographs with physicians, nurses, and holistic healthcare professionals. She has been a consumer healthcare researcher 35 years and counting. Catherines latest book, A Cancer Answer, Holistic BREAST Cancer Management, A Guide to Effective Non-Toxic Treatments, is available on Amazon.com and as a Kindle eBook. Two of Catherines more recent books on Amazon.com are Our Chemical Lives And The Hijacking Of Our DNA, A Probe Into Whats Probably Making Us Sick (2009) and Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss, An Inspirational Guide Through the Grieving Process(2008). 