Lancet retracts vaccine-autism link findings as junk science

The Lancet retracts the infamous 1998 article linking autism and vaccinations. They label the 1998 study as junk science, and connect the erroneous findings to a rise in measles deaths in the UK.

cbc.ca/health/story/2010/02/02/autism-mmr-lancet-wakefield.html

Swedish Girl Grows Back Face After It Turns Black and Falls Off

So odd to find this item because I had never conceived of the idea that one's face could turn black and fall off. Now that I know, I'll be waiting...

AMERICAN FEVER

I'm jealous of you, Peter Christian Hall. You blog about swine flu for the Huffington Post. You wrote a movie with a Gang of Four soundtrack. You've visited (nearly) 50 countries. And last but not least, you've written an online blog novel about pandemic flu entitled American Fever.

You're genius, Peter Christian Hall. I can't stop reading you!

Swine Flu: A Pregnant Woman's Ordeal (NYT)

For anyone who is doubting getting vaccinated, read about a pregnant woman who came down with H1N1. Pregnant women are at higher risk because their immune systems are suppressed to protect the fetus.

"In the four months she was hospitalized, she spent five weeks in a coma, suffered six collapsed lungs and a near-fatal seizure. High-pressure ventilation blew her up like a molten balloon until “she looked like she weighed 400 pounds,” her husband, Bryan, said, and she has stretch marks from her neck to her ankles. Her muscles and lungs are still so weak that she uses a walker.

While hospitalized, she missed seeing her 4-year-old daughter, Hope, learn to swim and start pre-school.

And, most important, she lost her baby (27 weeks)."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/health/20pregnant.html?em

Insect Parts and Rodent Hairs

That chocolate bar that you're eating may contain a rodent hair and insect parts, but don't worry because the FDA says it's okay. Read more...

Anticipating H1N1, Government of Canada Sends Body Bags to First Nations Reserves

First Nations leaders expressed outrage when dozens of body bags were delivered to remote northern communities by the Canadian Government in anticipation of H1N1. Health Canada apologized the following day.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/body-bags-sent-to-flu-stricken-reserves/article1290332/

Not in my Herd: Part One

So, the media reports that health care workers in NY are upset that they are required to be immunized against both seasonal and swine flu.

I have a suggestion for you, NY health care workers: perhaps you might consider a new line of work. Maybe your local Waldorf school is hiring?

I think that people who refuse vaccinations for themselves or their children for serious infectious disease are, at best, irresponsible and, at worst, criminal.

There are better sources than me for the public health perspectives involved in this issue, e.g. community health vs. individual rights regarding the concept of vaccination and herd immunity.

But what I will say: the onus is on the government to properly--and sensitively--educate the public about the benefits and risks regarding immunization against H1N1 virus. And it's on the people not to be such kneejerk dumbasses.

This means you, NY health care workers!

And here are the recommendations for swine flu vaccination. They change week to week, so consider bookmarking this page.