21st Century Aging

At one time doctors and the medical were trusted as gods, all powerful and all knowing.
Those over 60 have come to revere and respect the science that saved them from polio, death from infections, tetanus and the like. Mortality rates in childbirth declined. Life was

Those of us under 60 (and I am not that far behind) have come to age where doctor is a profession, not godhood. For every doctor who was in the top 50% of the class there are others who were in the bottom 50%. We have seen doctors charged with malpractice, sexual abuse of patients and negligence. We have seen doctors test unknowing patients with drugs, including hallucinogens.

We are much more aware of the corporate ideology of profits over health concerns for all conglomerates, not just pharmaceutical companies.

Then we have to consider the multiple reasons to distrust government with the concerns of our health. I'll start with their actions - exposing people (military and civilian) to atomic testing in the desert of Nevada, and the testing of Agent Orange on military personal starting in the late 50's.

This is by no stretch of the imagination the complete list, but it will tell you why my mother would sit, nod her head and do exactly what the doctor said, while I want my questions answered. This is hy I want a second opinion and why I don't believe that it is in our best interest to think that older is necessarily wiser in all things.

Blind faith in fallible human beings is not acceptable.

I think your insights about the differences in how vaccines are viewed between younger and older generations are very poignant. While it is important to question advice that physicians may give, it is worth noting that the H1N1 influenza strain is very different than the swine flu outbreak from 1976; people worldwide are dying from this infection, particularly younger people and pregnant women. There is also the chance that H1N1 will swap genetic material from more virulent influenza strains (such as the avian flu) and produce an even deadlier pandemic. For these reasons, I think that people who are at risk should receive the vaccine.

I agree that my generation has not seen the ravages of the pre-vaccine era, and that has a huge impact on us. However, we have seen the darker side of modern mass marketing -- which can erode fundamental trust.
For a very insightful piece on the issue of trust and H1N1, check out Kate Johnson's Medical Musings blog at:
http://tiny.cc/71ZRM

I am not yet 60 (close, but not there yet!) and also the daughter of a physician. This article is right on the money. Even those of my age remember what it was like when people died and were crippled by diseases like polio. I had a teacher in high school who had had polio. He was crippled and used crutches. I also remember seeing pictures of people who had to be in iron lungs to breathe - a very frightening image that stays with you. We knew of the horrors of disease before routine vaccinations.

There was great hoopla when we were all lined up and given the polio vaccine on a sugar cube. It didn't turn out to be the best way to administer the vaccine, but no one got polio anymore - what an advance. My generation is also the last one who bear smallpox vaccination scars; the disease has now been eradicated from the earth.

One year, I told my dad, "I'm not getting a flu shot this year and you can't make me!" He said, "Fine. But don't come crying to me when you get sick." I did get sick. Sicker than I've ever been in my life and I have no desire to repeat the experience even though "nature" (and antibiotics for the secondary pneumonia) cured me.

Those who do not vaccinate their children use MY children as their shields. Herd immunity will protect them to a point. To those who say they wish to take the natural route, try returning even a scant 100 years ago and see what it was like when nature was only physician. As for me, I'll take modern medicine, thank you.

Love this:

"On one side of the debate are reputable physicians who feel that the vaccine can prevent serious illness and save lives, especially for those in high-risk populations. On the other side of the spectrum are those who argue against use of the vaccine"

Because of course, if you oppose the H1N1 vaccine you must not be a "reputable physician" even though many physicians and nurses oppose and refuse this vaccine.

Great propaganda - the polio vaccine works, so -therefore- the H1N1 vaccine is "good".

If someone fails to see the faulty logic in the statements in this article, by all means, go out get whatever the medicine of the day is, enjoy the brainwashing and chemical soup. Sure they're safe, don't worry, they don't want you dead - only sick, and bringing in money.