As the number of measles cases continued to originate from Southern California, Facebook and Twitter blew up with people from all political ideologies going right to blaming "anti-vaccine" people. These are people that have chosen to either not vaccinate themselves or their children. People are saying that those who choose not to vaccinate are choosing to put others at risk. This is a completely dumbfounded statement when you look at the nature of what is being discussed. Lets think about it for a moment. Most likely if you are someone that is upset over "anti-vaccine" people, then you are going to be vaccinated. If you are vaccinated and believe that they should be forced on other people or otherwise shamed for not getting vaccinated, then what are you really worried about? YOU ARE VACCINATED! I swear, its like vaccines have become the new race topic. "How dare you say anything but great things about vaccines" or "How dare you not get vaccinated, what are you anti-science?"
Has anyone considered that the reason measles even made any sort of comeback in the last week and change is because of Illegal Immigration from our porous southern border? These people are often unhealthy, unsanitary, and dont come with any documentation to of their health.
Vaccinations by far and large are a great medical breakthrough of the last 100 years. But vaccines are just PART of why diseases like Polio basically became extinct in industrious nations. Sanitation standards whether it be part of the work place, hospitals, home, even our own bodies have changed dramatically over the last century. Medicine and Doctor understanding of diseases and treatments have advanced dramatically as well.
However, one thing has not changed and that is where diseases are likely to be found. Where ever there are high concentrations of people living in close quarters is where you will most likely find communicable diseases. That was the truth 100 years ago and that is where you can still find it today. Diseases like TB for example are always a risk where you find unsanitary, unhealthy, and cramped living conditions.
As an EMT-B of three years, I worked in close quarters with patients that had various diseases and illnesses that could easily be spread through air contact or direct contact with bodily fluids. Thank goodness I also had standards and protocols that called for me to wear Body Substance Isolation gear such as gloves, protective gown, N95 facemask, eye goggles, even SCBA when appropriate. These protective measures kept me from contracting many diseases from patients that I cared for during transport.
The point I hope you are getting is that I think Vaccinations are great.... But they simply are not the only sure fire cure all means of protecting yourself from diseases. Simple practices like covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze/cough, washing your hands before eating, after using the restroom, after handling money or other items commonly handled by people, bathing daily, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, staying away from crowded areas/work/school if you are ill and running a fever, using common sense will go a long way in keeping you from contracting diseases. Vaccinations should be strictly discussed and decided upon by YOU and YOUR Doctor. Vaccinations should NOT EVER be Mandated by the Government.
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