australiannationalreview--2020-05-03--Provisional Death Counts for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Daily updates of totals by week and sta

Provisional Death Counts for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Daily updates of totals by week and state

The provisional counts for coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) deaths are based on a current flow of mortality data in the National Vital Statistics System .
National provisional counts include deaths occurring within the 50 states and the District of Columbia that have been received and coded as of the date specified .
It is important to note that it can take several weeks for death records to be submitted to National Center for Health Statistics ( NCHS ) , processed , coded , and tabulated .
Therefore , the data shown on this page may be incomplete , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred during a given time period , especially for the more recent time periods .
Death counts for earlier weeks are continually revised and may increase or decrease as new and updated death certificate data are received from the states by NCHS .
COVID-19 death counts shown here may differ from other published sources , as data currently are lagged by an average of 1–2 weeks .
The provisional data presented on this page include the weekly provisional count of deaths in the United States due to COVID-19 , deaths from all causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , number of deaths received over number of deaths expected based on data from previous years ) , pneumonia deaths ( excluding pneumonia deaths involving influenza ) , pneumonia deaths involving COVID-19 , influenza deaths , and deaths involving pneumonia , influenza , or COVID-19 ; ( a ) by week ending date and ( b ) by specific jurisdictions .
Table 1 has counts of death involving COVID-19 and select causes of death by the week ending date in which the death occurred .
For COVID-19 deaths by week ending date at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death counts deliver our most comprehensive picture of lives lost to COVID-19 .
These estimates are based on death certificates , which are the most reliable source of data and contain information not available anywhere else , including comorbid conditions , race and ethnicity , and place of death .
The National Center for Health Statistics ( NCHS ) uses incoming data from death certificates to produce provisional COVID-19 death counts .
These include deaths occurring within the 50 states and the District of Columbia .
COVID-19 deaths are identified using a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a cause of death – or when it is listed as a “ probable ” or “ presumed ” cause — the death is coded as U07.1 .
This can include cases with or without laboratory confirmation .
Why these numbers are different Provisional death counts may not match counts from other sources , such as media reports or numbers from county health departments .
Our counts often track 1–2 weeks behind other data for a number of reasons : Death certificates take time to be completed .
There are many steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certificate .
Waiting for test results can create additional delays .
States report at different rates .
Currently , 63 % of all U.S. deaths are reported within 10 days of the date of death , but there is significant variation among jurisdictions .
It takes extra time to code COVID-19 deaths .
While 80 % of deaths are electronically processed and coded by NCHS within minutes , most deaths from COVID-19 must be coded manually , which takes an average of 7 days .
Other reporting systems use different definitions or methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the data Provisional counts are not final and are subject to change .
Counts from previous weeks are continually revised as additional records are received and processed .
Provisional data are not yet complete .
Counts will not include all deaths that occurred during a given time period , especially for more recent periods .
However , we can estimate how complete our numbers are by looking at the average number of deaths reported in previous years .
Death counts should not be compared across jurisdictions .
Some jurisdictions report deaths on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths weekly or monthly .
In addition , vital record reporting may also be affected or delayed by COVID-19 related response activities .
For more detailed technical information , visit the Provisional Death Counts for Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 ) Technical Notes page .

Updated:
alert icon Note: Provisional death counts are based on death certificate data received and coded by the National Center for Health Statistics as of May 1, 2020. Death counts are delayed and may differ from other published sources (see Technical Notes). Counts will be updated periodically. Additional information will be added to this site as available.
The provisional counts for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) deaths are based on a current flow of mortality data in the National Vital Statistics System. National provisional counts include deaths occurring within the 50 states and the District of Columbia that have been received and coded as of the date specified. It is important to note that it can take several weeks for death records to be submitted to National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), processed, coded, and tabulated. Therefore, the data shown on this page may be incomplete, and will likely not include all deaths that occurred during a given time period, especially for the more recent time periods. Death counts for earlier weeks are continually revised and may increase or decrease as new and updated death certificate data are received from the states by NCHS. COVID-19 death counts shown here may differ from other published sources, as data currently are lagged by an average of 1–2 weeks.
The provisional data presented on this page include the weekly provisional count of deaths in the United States due to COVID-19, deaths from all causes and percent of expected deaths (i.e., number of deaths received over number of deaths expected based on data from previous years), pneumonia deaths (excluding pneumonia deaths involving influenza), pneumonia deaths involving COVID-19, influenza deaths, and deaths involving pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19; (a) by week ending date and (b) by specific jurisdictions.
Table 1 has counts of death involving COVID-19 and select causes of death by the week ending date in which the death occurred. For COVID-19 deaths by week ending date at the state level, click here .
Table 1. Deaths involving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pneumonia, and influenza reported to NCHS by week ending date, United States. Week ending 2/1/2020 to 4/25/2020 .* Data as of NOTE: Number of deaths reported in this table are the total number of deaths received and coded as of the date of analysis and do not represent all deaths that occurred in that period. The United States population, based on 2018 postcensal estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, is 327,167,434. *Data during this period are incomplete because of the lag in time between when the death occurred and when the death certificate is completed, submitted to NCHS and processed for reporting purposes. This delay can range from 1 week to 8 weeks or more, depending on the jurisdiction, age, and cause of death. 1Deaths with confirmed or presumed COVID-19, coded to ICD–10 code U07.1 2Percent of expected deaths is the number of deaths for all causes for this week in 2020 compared to the average number across the same week in 2017–2019. Previous analyses of 2015–2016 provisional data completeness have found that completeness is lower in the first few weeks following the date of death (<25%), and then increases over time such that data are generally at least 75% complete within 8 weeks of when the death occurred (8). 3Pneumonia death counts exclude pneumonia deaths involving influenza. 4Influenza death counts include deaths with pneumonia or COVID-19 also listed as a cause of death. 5Deaths with confirmed or presumed COVID-19, pneumonia, or influenza, coded to ICD–10 codes U07.1 or J09–J18.9.
Table 2. Deaths involving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pneumonia, and influenza reported to NCHS by jurisdiction of occurrence, United States. Week ending 2/1/2020 to 4/25/2020 .* Data as of NOTE: Number of deaths reported in this table are the total number of deaths received and coded as of the date of analysis and do not represent all deaths that occurred in that period. *Data during this period are incomplete because of the lag in time between when the death occurred and when the death certificate is completed, submitted to NCHS and processed for reporting purposes. This delay can range from 1 week to 8 weeks or more, depending on the jurisdiction, age, and cause of death. 1Deaths with confirmed or presumed COVID-19, coded to ICD–10 code U07.1. 2Percent of expected deaths is the number of deaths for all causes for this week in 2020 compared to the average number across the same week in 2017–2019. 3Pneumonia death counts exclude pneumonia deaths involving influenza. 4Influenza death counts include deaths with pneumonia or COVID-19 also listed as a cause of death. 5United States death count includes the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and New York City. 6Excludes New York City.
Understanding the Numbers: Provisional Death Counts and COVID-19
Provisional death counts deliver our most comprehensive picture of lives lost to COVID-19. These estimates are based on death certificates, which are the most reliable source of data and contain information not available anywhere else, including comorbid conditions, race and ethnicity, and place of death.
How it works
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) uses incoming data from death certificates to produce provisional COVID-19 death counts. These include deaths occurring within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. COVID-19 deaths are identified using a new ICD–10 code. When COVID-19 is reported as a cause of death – or when it is listed as a “probable” or “presumed” cause — the death is coded as U07.1. This can include cases with or without laboratory confirmation.
Why these numbers are different
Provisional death counts may not match counts from other sources, such as media reports or numbers from county health departments. Our counts often track 1–2 weeks behind other data for a number of reasons: Death certificates take time to be completed. There are many steps involved in completing and submitting a death certificate. Waiting for test results can create additional delays. States report at different rates. Currently, 63% of all U.S. deaths are reported within 10 days of the date of death, but there is significant variation among jurisdictions. It takes extra time to code COVID-19 deaths. While 80% of deaths are electronically processed and coded by NCHS within minutes, most deaths from COVID-19 must be coded manually, which takes an average of 7 days. Other reporting systems use different definitions or methods for counting deaths.
Things to know about the data
Provisional counts are not final and are subject to change. Counts from previous weeks are continually revised as additional records are received and processed. Provisional data are not yet complete. Counts will not include all deaths that occurred during a given time period, especially for more recent periods. However, we can estimate how complete our numbers are by looking at the average number of deaths reported in previous years. Death counts should not be compared across jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions report deaths on a daily basis, while others report deaths weekly or monthly. In addition, vital record reporting may also be affected or delayed by COVID-19 related response activities.
For more detailed technical information, visit the Provisional Death Counts for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Technical Notes page.


australiannationalreview--2020-05-02--White House blocking Fauci from testifying before Congress about coronavirus response

The White House has blocked Dr. Anthony Fauci from testifying about the response to the coronavirus crisis before the House Appropriations Committee , a spokesman for the committee told NBC News on Friday .
“ The Appropriations Committee sought Dr. Anthony Fauci as a witness at next week ’ s Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee hearing on COVID-19 response .
We have been informed by an administration official that the White House has blocked Dr. Fauci from testifying , ” the spokesperson , Evan Hollander , said .
He ’ d been asked to appear on May 6 .
But the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a Senate Health Committee hearing on May 12 , a spokesperson for committee Chairman Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , told NBC news .
Fauci , the head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has been a key adviser in the Trump administration ’ s fight against the coronavirus , and until recently , a fixture at the White House coronavirus briefings .
He ’ s also sat for numerous media interviews on the virus , including on sports podcasts .
In a statement , White House spokesman Judd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not an “ appropriate ” time for Fauci to go before the House .

By Alex Moe, Dareh Gregorian and Julie Tsirkin
The White House has blocked Dr. Anthony Fauci from testifying about the response to the coronavirus crisis before the House Appropriations Committee, a spokesman for the committee told NBC News on Friday.
“The Appropriations Committee sought Dr. Anthony Fauci as a witness at next week’s Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee hearing on COVID-19 response. We have been informed by an administration official that the White House has blocked Dr. Fauci from testifying,” the spokesperson, Evan Hollander, said.
He’d been asked to appear on May 6.
But the White House said they will allow Fauci to testify at a Senate Health Committee hearing on May 12, a spokesperson for committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., told NBC news.
Fauci, the head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a key adviser in the Trump administration’s fight against the coronavirus, and until recently, a fixture at the White House coronavirus briefings. He’s also sat for numerous media interviews on the virus, including on sports podcasts.
In a statement, White House spokesman Judd Deere said the May 6 hearing is not an “appropriate” time for Fauci to go before the House.


australiannationalreview--2020-05-02--Michigan’s Republican-led House set to sue over governor’s shutdown orders, as armed protesters ente

Michigan’s Republican-led House set to sue over governor’s shutdown orders, as armed protesters enter statehouse

LANSING , Mich. — The Republican-led Michigan Legislature refused Thursday to extend the state ’ s coronavirus emergency declaration and voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s authority and actions to combat the pandemic .
The governor , unfazed , responded with orders stating under one law that an emergency still exists , while declaring a new 28-day state of emergency under another law .
The declarations are important because they are the foundation for Whitmer ’ s stay-at-home measure , which will remain in effect through May 15 , and other directives aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus that causes COVID-19 has infected more than 41,000 Michigan residents and contributed to the deaths of 3,789 , many in the Detroit area .
Whitmer accused GOP lawmakers of “ putting their heads in the sand and putting more lives and livelihoods at risk .
I ’ m not going to let that happen.
” The legislative pushback came as hundreds of conservative activists , including some who were openly carrying assault rifles , returned to the Capitol to denounce her stay-home order .
Whitmer wanted legislators to extend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
But at the same time , she believes she has other powers to respond to the crisis and does not need a legislatively-approved extension — which Republicans dispute and may challenge in court .
The virus and the steps taken to curb it , including the closure of nonessential businesses , have had a devastating effect on the economy .
In her new emergency orders , Whitmer said cases are doubling every six days or faster in some counties in western and northern Michigan .
The House and Senate voted along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer will veto — that would temporarily codify many of her directives but not her stay-home order .
“ We can no longer allow one person to make decisions for 10 million people , ” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake .
House Speaker Lee Chatfield , of Levering , said the death toll is “ terrible , ” but other lives have been “ negatively impacted unnecessarily because of how we have handled this pandemic .
We believe we you can prioritize public health yet be reasonable in your approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation as an unconstitutional “ political stunt ” and called the likely legal action a wasteful expense amid plummeting tax revenues .
“ We must ensure that our state can respond quickly and decisively to a situation that changes day by day , ” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter , a Detroit Democrat who recovered from COVID-19 .
“ That means ensuring that our governor has the emergency powers necessary to lead us in this fight.
” Late Thursday , Whitmer extended the closure of bars , casinos and other public places through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on dine-in service at restaurants .
Earlier outside the Capitol , speakers took turns addressing a crowd on the lawn .
Drivers leaned on their horns as they traveled past , a repeat of what occurred April 15 but not close to the thousands who participated in vehicles at that time , which paralyzed traffic for miles .
Protesters ’ placards read , “ Shut down the lockdown , ” “ No work no freedom , ” and “ Tyrants get the rope.
” Some people wore the “ Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cape .
Others chanted , “ Lock her up , ” in reference to the governor .
Some wore President Donald Trump ’ s “ Make America Great Again ” hats or carried signs supporting him .
“ The virus is here .
It ’ s going to be here .
… It ’ s time to let people go back to work .
That ’ s all there is to it , ” said Joni George , of Flushing .
Some angry protesters — many without face coverings — entered the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House floor , which is not allowed .
The gallery was closed to the public to allow room for representatives and reporters to spread apart .
Several demonstrators in the Senate gallery were openly carrying guns , which is legal in the statehouse .
One senator said some armed men shouted at her , and several senators wore bulletproof vests for protection .
Shanon Banner , a state police spokeswoman , estimated there were 400 to 700 protesters and said they were “ peaceful ” overall .
People who did not wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One demonstrator was arrested for assaulting another protester .
Whitmer , whom the public has supported in polling , on Wednesday rejected Senate Republicans ’ proposal for a pair of one-week extensions of the emergency in exchange for giving legislators a say in any future stay-at-home restrictions .
Republicans want her to allow elective medical and dental procedures again and certainty on the date she plans to reopen the economy on a regional basis .
Meanwhile , the governor has allowed some businesses , such as lawn-care companies and greenhouses , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will resume next week .

By Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. — The Republican-led Michigan Legislature refused Thursday to extend the state’s coronavirus emergency declaration and voted to authorize a lawsuit challenging Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s authority and actions to combat the pandemic.
The governor, unfazed, responded with orders stating under one law that an emergency still exists, while declaring a new 28-day state of emergency under another law.
The declarations are important because they are the foundation for Whitmer’s stay-at-home measure, which will remain in effect through May 15, and other directives aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The virus that causes COVID-19 has infected more than 41,000 Michigan residents and contributed to the deaths of 3,789, many in the Detroit area.
Whitmer accused GOP lawmakers of “putting their heads in the sand and putting more lives and livelihoods at risk. I’m not going to let that happen.”
The legislative pushback came as hundreds of conservative activists, including some who were openly carrying assault rifles, returned to the Capitol to denounce her stay-home order.
Whitmer wanted legislators to extend the emergency before it was to expire late Thursday. But at the same time, she believes she has other powers to respond to the crisis and does not need a legislatively-approved extension — which Republicans dispute and may challenge in court.
The virus and the steps taken to curb it, including the closure of nonessential businesses, have had a devastating effect on the economy. In her new emergency orders, Whitmer said cases are doubling every six days or faster in some counties in western and northern Michigan.
The House and Senate voted along party lines for a bill — which Whitmer will veto — that would temporarily codify many of her directives but not her stay-home order.
Republicans accused Whitmer of ignoring their input.
“We can no longer allow one person to make decisions for 10 million people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake.
House Speaker Lee Chatfield, of Levering, said the death toll is “terrible,” but other lives have been “negatively impacted unnecessarily because of how we have handled this pandemic. We believe we you can prioritize public health yet be reasonable in your approach to fighting COVID.”
Democrats opposed the legislation as an unconstitutional “political stunt” and called the likely legal action a wasteful expense amid plummeting tax revenues.
“We must ensure that our state can respond quickly and decisively to a situation that changes day by day,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter, a Detroit Democrat who recovered from COVID-19. “That means ensuring that our governor has the emergency powers necessary to lead us in this fight.”
Late Thursday, Whitmer extended the closure of bars, casinos and other public places through May 28. She also continued a ban on dine-in service at restaurants.
Earlier outside the Capitol, speakers took turns addressing a crowd on the lawn. Drivers leaned on their horns as they traveled past, a repeat of what occurred April 15 but not close to the thousands who participated in vehicles at that time, which paralyzed traffic for miles.
Protesters’ placards read, “Shut down the lockdown,” “No work no freedom,” and “Tyrants get the rope.” Some people wore the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag as a cape. Others chanted, “Lock her up,” in reference to the governor. Some wore President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats or carried signs supporting him.
“The virus is here. It’s going to be here. … It’s time to let people go back to work. That’s all there is to it,” said Joni George, of Flushing.
Some angry protesters — many without face coverings — entered the Capitol and demanded to be let onto the House floor, which is not allowed. The gallery was closed to the public to allow room for representatives and reporters to spread apart. Several demonstrators in the Senate gallery were openly carrying guns, which is legal in the statehouse. One senator said some armed men shouted at her, and several senators wore bulletproof vests for protection.
Shanon Banner, a state police spokeswoman, estimated there were 400 to 700 protesters and said they were “peaceful” overall. People who did not wear masks or distance themselves were not issued tickets. One demonstrator was arrested for assaulting another protester.
Whitmer, whom the public has supported in polling, on Wednesday rejected Senate Republicans’ proposal for a pair of one-week extensions of the emergency in exchange for giving legislators a say in any future stay-at-home restrictions.
Republicans want her to allow elective medical and dental procedures again and certainty on the date she plans to reopen the economy on a regional basis. Meanwhile, the governor has allowed some businesses, such as lawn-care companies and greenhouses, to resume operating.
Commercial and residential construction will resume next week.


australiannationalreview--2020-05-01--Flu Vaccine Increases Coronavirus Risk 36% Says Military Study

A recent military study shows military personnel evaluated who received the flu vaccine were at 36 percent increased risk for coronavirus with varied benefit in preventing some strains of the flu .
“ Examining noninfluenza viruses specifically , the odds of both coronavirus and human metapneumovirus in vaccinated individuals were significantly higher when compared to unvaccinated individuals ( OR = 1.36 and 1.51 , respectively ) ( Table 5 ) .
” The flu vaccine studied demonstrated varied benefit in flu prevention – – some strains showed significant benefit while others did not .
Titled , Influenza vaccination and respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 2017–2018 influenza season , the report on the study addresses the phenomena of vaccine virus interference of the influenza vaccine .
Paraphrasing , the study highlights the value of the human body ’ s ability to fight against viruses .
Apparently , by contracting influenza , the body naturally “ may reduce the risk of non-influenza respiratory viruses… ” Due to the flu vaccine ’ s “ interference ” with the naturally occurring biological process , there may be an increased risk of contracting non-influenza viruses : I started digging into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Affairs ’ ( VA ) advice two weeks ago when I noticed the agency ’ s top advice about coronavirus was to “ get a flu shot ” .
This advice seemed a bit too simplistic when given to a population of largely elderly veterans with significant disabilities , vaccine histories , and exposures to various pathogens worldwide .
After writing about it , one reader sent an email citing this study in PubMed .
I was later provided a copy of the full study and reviewed it with an expert to verify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that report .
Now , the feedback I received that really caught my attention was mainly in a question : Is the heightened risk of coronavirus and other pathogens worth the benefit of the influenza vaccine based on this study as broken down in Table 5 above ?
The column to focus on is “ OR ” in Table 5 .
The influenza virus overall is 0.57 meaning the risk of contracting the flu was reduced overall .
Three variants of flu did not receive a statistically significant reduction in risk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ insignificant benefit for the flu shot .
Meanwhile , shot takers were at increased risk for coronavirus of 36 % .
I would bet $ 1 that this year , many Americans would likely rethink taking the vaccine with that bit of information .
If VA has this information , and they likely do , should the agency be required to share this increased risk factor with individuals considering the shot ?
The study , published in the scientific journal Vaccine January 2020 , was conducted by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OH .
Taken at face value , the study indicates people who receive the flu vaccine are at increased risk for coronavirus pre-COVID-19 .
Like veterans , current service members , school teachers , and medical professionals , the study population consisted of a population with a history of being heavily vaccinated .
Will veterans who contract the coronavirus after receipt of the flu vaccine based on VA ’ s top recommendation be eligible for § 1151 claims for malpractice ?
How will the US Court of Claims – Vaccine Court handle an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus due to the significant risk in the study ?
Given that this report was published by DOD researchers in a scientific journal , why is VA telling veterans to get the influenza vaccine ?
What is the motive behind their advice ?
Veterans , and many disabled veterans , may be at higher risk of contracting coronavirus based on vaccine history alone .
That is especially true for veterans who took the flu vaccine at the encouragement of VA doctors .
Who stands to gain with the current recommendation ?
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these decisions .
The virus itself appears to more severely impact the elderly , of which the veteran population has many .
How about Vietnam veterans exposed to toxic herbicides ?
This virus is basically a death sentence for our poorly treated disabled Vietnam veterans who rely on VA to provide safe and effective medical care for their diabetes , cancer , hypertension , etc .
I encourage all readers to do your own research .
Ask your VA medical doctor about this study and whether they agree with the blanket recommendation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get ahead of coronavirus .
For those interested , the study ’ s data came from the Department of Defense Global Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Program ( DoDGRS ) is a DoD-wide program established by the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System ( GEIS ) .
The individuals included in the study provided respiratory specimens to the DoDGRS for 2017-2018 influenza season .
Individuals who were sick prior to receipt of the flu vaccine were excluded from the study : “ All people submitting a respiratory specimen to the DoDGRS for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study .
The influenza season began 1 October 2017 and ended 29 September 2018 .
Those who submitted a sample and only tested positive for Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma pneumoniae were excluded because these illnesses are bacteriological in nature , not viral .
People with influenza and non-influenza coinfections were excluded because they could not be uniquely classified as either influenza or non-influenza respiratory virus .
Individuals with multiple specimens collected during the season were also removed from the study as they could have had multiple different viruses over the season .
Specimens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via databases nor a questionnaire was completed were excluded because vaccination status could not be confirmed .
Subjects who were ill before receiving vaccination were excluded as vaccination status would therefore be unrelated to illness .
Lastly , those people for whom the laboratory rejected the specimen were not included in the final study population.
” From what I can tell , the odds of being exposed in the US are high .
The death rate if you get sick is high enough to warrant concern .
Wouldn ’ t it be nice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare system managed by the VA that is supposed to provide us with care ?
For some non-US centric news about the virus , I wanted to include a YouTube video of 60 Minutes Australia about their perspective on the disease .
I am personally not getting the flu shot and do not plan on taking any vaccines moving forward beyond what I was forced to take in the military due to vaccine injury .
What are your thoughts ?
Getting the flu shot to get ahead ?
UPDATE 3/19/2020 : According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited by news media publisher Mirror , Britons who received the influenza vaccine for this flu season were cautioned to self-isolate for 12 weeks as they fall into the government ’ s “ high risk ” category .

By
A recent military study shows military personnel evaluated who received the flu vaccine were at 36 percent increased risk for coronavirus with varied benefit in preventing some strains of the flu.
“Examining noninfluenza viruses specifically, the odds of both coronavirus and human metapneumovirus in vaccinated individuals were significantly higher when compared to unvaccinated individuals (OR = 1.36 and 1.51, respectively) (Table 5).”
The flu vaccine studied demonstrated varied benefit in flu prevention – – some strains showed significant benefit while others did not.
Titled, Influenza vaccination and respiratory virus interference among Department of Defense personnel during the 2017–2018 influenza season, the report on the study addresses the phenomena of vaccine virus interference of the influenza vaccine.
Flu Vaccine Interference
Paraphrasing, the study highlights the value of the human body’s ability to fight against viruses. Apparently, by contracting influenza, the body naturally “may reduce the risk of non-influenza respiratory viruses…”
Due to the flu vaccine’s “interference” with the naturally occurring biological process, there may be an increased risk of contracting non-influenza viruses:
“While influenza vaccination offers protection against influenza, natural influenza infection may reduce the risk of non-influenza respiratory viruses by providing temporary, non-specific immunity against these viruses. On the other hand, recently published studies have described the phenomenon of vaccine-associated virus interference; that is, vaccinated individuals may be at increased risk for other respiratory viruses because they do not receive the non-specific immunity associated with natural infection.”
Why This Topic?
I started digging into this topic on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) advice two weeks ago when I noticed the agency’s top advice about coronavirus was to “get a flu shot”.
This advice seemed a bit too simplistic when given to a population of largely elderly veterans with significant disabilities, vaccine histories, and exposures to various pathogens worldwide.
After writing about it, one reader sent an email citing this study in PubMed.
I was later provided a copy of the full study and reviewed it with an expert to verify my own conclusions based on the information in that report.
Informed Consent For Flu Vaccine
Now, the feedback I received that really caught my attention was mainly in a question: Is the heightened risk of coronavirus and other pathogens worth the benefit of the influenza vaccine based on this study as broken down in Table 5 above?
The column to focus on is “OR” in Table 5.
Coronavirus is 1.36 meaning 36% higher risk.
The influenza virus overall is 0.57 meaning the risk of contracting the flu was reduced overall. Three variants of flu did not receive a statistically significant reduction in risk.
Three of 8 evaluations noted a statistically insignificant benefit for the flu shot. Meanwhile, shot takers were at increased risk for coronavirus of 36%. I would bet $1 that this year, many Americans would likely rethink taking the vaccine with that bit of information.
If VA has this information, and they likely do, should the agency be required to share this increased risk factor with individuals considering the shot?
Studied Military Population
The study, published in the scientific journal Vaccine January 2020, was conducted by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch Air Force Satellite at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
Taken at face value, the study indicates people who receive the flu vaccine are at increased risk for coronavirus pre-COVID-19. Like veterans, current service members, school teachers, and medical professionals, the study population consisted of a population with a history of being heavily vaccinated.
“The DoD provides a unique population for vaccination studies as mandatory vaccination against influenza is required by the DoD for all Active Duty and Reserve Component personnel. This study aims to examine the relationship between specific respiratory viruses and influenza vaccination. The protocol for this study was reviewed and approved as exempt by the Air Force Research Laboratory Institutional Review Board.”
Future § 1151 Claims For Malpractice?
Will veterans who contract the coronavirus after receipt of the flu vaccine based on VA’s top recommendation be eligible for § 1151 claims for malpractice?
How will the US Court of Claims – Vaccine Court handle an influx of US citizens injured by contracting the coronavirus due to the significant risk in the study?
Given that this report was published by DOD researchers in a scientific journal, why is VA telling veterans to get the influenza vaccine?
What is the motive behind their advice?
Veterans, and many disabled veterans, may be at higher risk of contracting coronavirus based on vaccine history alone. That is especially true for veterans who took the flu vaccine at the encouragement of VA doctors.
Who stands to gain with the current recommendation?
There are winners and losers with each of these decisions. The virus itself appears to more severely impact the elderly, of which the veteran population has many.
How about Vietnam veterans exposed to toxic herbicides?
This virus is basically a death sentence for our poorly treated disabled Vietnam veterans who rely on VA to provide safe and effective medical care for their diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc.
Ask Your Doctor
I encourage all readers to do your own research. Ask your VA medical doctor about this study and whether they agree with the blanket recommendation of the agency to get a flu shot to get ahead of coronavirus.
Is this solid medical advice?
For those interested, the study’s data came from the Department of Defense Global Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Program (DoDGRS) is a DoD-wide program established by the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (GEIS).
The individuals included in the study provided respiratory specimens to the DoDGRS for 2017-2018 influenza season. Individuals who were sick prior to receipt of the flu vaccine were excluded from the study:
“All people submitting a respiratory specimen to the DoDGRS for the 2017–2018 influenza season were eligible for the study. The influenza season began 1 October 2017 and ended 29 September 2018. Those who submitted a sample and only tested positive for Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or Mycoplasma pneumoniae were excluded because these illnesses are bacteriological in nature, not viral. People with influenza and non-influenza coinfections were excluded because they could not be uniquely classified as either influenza or non-influenza respiratory virus. Individuals with multiple specimens collected during the season were also removed from the study as they could have had multiple different viruses over the season. Specimens where neither vaccination status could be obtained via databases nor a questionnaire was completed were excluded because vaccination status could not be confirmed. Subjects who were ill before receiving vaccination were excluded as vaccination status would therefore be unrelated to illness. Lastly, those people for whom the laboratory rejected the specimen were not included in the final study population.”
Be Optimistic But Careful
From what I can tell, the odds of being exposed in the US are high. The death rate if you get sick is high enough to warrant concern.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get good advice from the socialized healthcare system managed by the VA that is supposed to provide us with care?
For some non-US centric news about the virus, I wanted to include a YouTube video of 60 Minutes Australia about their perspective on the disease.
Getting Your Flu Shot?
I am personally not getting the flu shot and do not plan on taking any vaccines moving forward beyond what I was forced to take in the military due to vaccine injury.
What are your thoughts? Getting the flu shot to get ahead?
UPDATE 3/19/2020: According to the chief medical officer for England, cited by news media publisher Mirror, Britons who received the influenza vaccine for this flu season were cautioned to self-isolate for 12 weeks as they fall into the government’s “high risk” category.


australiannationalreview--2020-05-01--Fear Is The Oxygen of Government Power

Fear Is The Oxygen of Government Power

Fear is the oxygen of government power .
In order for power to increase its scope , the citizens must let their guard down .
When they are afraid , the guard comes down .
Those who are afraid are easy prey for those who want to expand power .
The most popular fear adopted by governments , since perhaps the very first government to exist , is one that generates war .
The fear that someone else is going to come and get you .
Americans are very familiar with this one , as entire lifetimes have been spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then another .
So war is the most popular fear generator for governments .
It ’ s also the biggest moneymaker for government-connected corporations .
However , since the adoption of nuclear weapons , war can not be total anymore .
Everyone knows this .
Everyone knows that the world can be destroyed many times over if passions get out of hand .
That doesn ’ t mean it can ’ t happen .
It most certainly can , but manipulators of power are not interested in a destroyed world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meant to have their fingerprints on everything that transpires .
They want to rule a world that exists .
Total war is not very attractive if that is the goal .
So , those with nuclear weapons stay out of each others way , and regional wars are kept aflame .
Unbelievable amounts of money go to the military-industrial-complex like clockwork .
Americans don ’ t pay attention or care .
The wealth transfer couldn ’ t be more easily accomplished .
But what about ruling the world and every living human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t do the trick , what can ?
Well , shortly after the proliferation of nuclear weapons , new technologies emerged and surveillance became another tool in government ’ s arsenal .
For sure , it didn ’ t take long for power-hungry individuals to start fantasizing about surveilling everyone and everything in the world .
That ’ s a totalitarian dream !
Along with the advancement of surveillance technologies came a fresh new fear as well .
This was one , that if successful , could be imposed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the name of Environmentalism , but this wouldn ’ t be about curbing pollution , which does not require totalitarian government power .
No , this fear would be that the world would turn into an ice cube if extraordinary power was not granted to government .
Then it morphed into the world turning into a fireball if power wasn ’ t granted .
Then , probably out of desperation , the fear became that the climate would “ change.
” The fear was ramped up to politicians actually claiming that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
But then came a fear that stuck , and it stuck globally .
Sadly , the people would bite .
With lightning speed , in the name of stopping a virus that has turned out to be no more deadly than the seasonal flu , governments everywhere got away with shutting and ruining their economies .
They also placed their people virtually under house arrest .
This is a bad situation for people ( all over the world ) to be in .
The idea of government being a servant and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
There is only one way out of every government-generated fear — Liberty .
It doesn ’ t matter what the fear happens to be , Liberty is the answer .
It doesn ’ t matter how draconian governments become , Liberty is the answer .
Man is free by nature , and nature can not be changed .
So the totalitarian dream is a loser from the start .
But totalitarians can do tons of damage in the meantime .
They may never reach their goal , but they sure will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a present and eternal reality .
Individuals just have to embrace it , and be not afraid .

By Chris Rossini
Fear is the oxygen of government power. In order for power to increase its scope, the citizens must let their guard down. When they are afraid, the guard comes down. Those who are afraid are easy prey for those who want to expand power.
The most popular fear adopted by governments, since perhaps the very first government to exist, is one that generates war. The fear that someone else is going to come and get you. Americans are very familiar with this one, as entire lifetimes have been spent being afraid one boogeyman followed by another, and then another.
So war is the most popular fear generator for governments. It’s also the biggest moneymaker for government-connected corporations.
However, since the adoption of nuclear weapons, war cannot be total anymore. Everyone knows this. Everyone knows that the world can be destroyed many times over if passions get out of hand.
That doesn’t mean it can’t happen. It most certainly can, but manipulators of power are not interested in a destroyed world. They believe themselves to be superior beings, meant to have their fingerprints on everything that transpires. They want to rule a world that exists. Total war is not very attractive if that is the goal.
So, those with nuclear weapons stay out of each others way, and regional wars are kept aflame. Unbelievable amounts of money go to the military-industrial-complex like clockwork. Americans don’t pay attention or care. The wealth transfer couldn’t be more easily accomplished.
But what about ruling the world and every living human being on it? If total war can’t do the trick, what can?
Well, shortly after the proliferation of nuclear weapons, new technologies emerged and surveillance became another tool in government’s arsenal. For sure, it didn’t take long for power-hungry individuals to start fantasizing about surveilling everyone and everything in the world. That’s a totalitarian dream!
Along with the advancement of surveillance technologies came a fresh new fear as well. This was one, that if successful, could be imposed on the whole world. The fear would go by the name of Environmentalism, but this wouldn’t be about curbing pollution, which does not require totalitarian government power.
No, this fear would be that the world would turn into an ice cube if extraordinary power was not granted to government. Then it morphed into the world turning into a fireball if power wasn’t granted. Then, probably out of desperation, the fear became that the climate would “change.”
But the people wouldn’t bite.
The fear was ramped up to politicians actually claiming that the world would end in 12 years!!
The people still wouldn’t bite.
But then came a fear that stuck, and it stuck globally. Sadly, the people would bite.
With lightning speed, in the name of stopping a virus that has turned out to be no more deadly than the seasonal flu, governments everywhere got away with shutting and ruining their economies. They also placed their people virtually under house arrest.
This is a bad situation for people (all over the world) to be in. The idea of government being a servant and the people the master has been flipped upside down.
There is only one way out of every government-generated fear — Liberty.
It doesn’t matter what the fear happens to be, Liberty is the answer. It doesn’t matter how draconian governments become, Liberty is the answer.
Man is free by nature, and nature cannot be changed. So the totalitarian dream is a loser from the start.
But totalitarians can do tons of damage in the meantime. They may never reach their goal, but they sure will trample everything in their way by trying.
The future isn’t written yet.
Liberty is at hand.
It is a present and eternal reality.
Individuals just have to embrace it, and be not afraid.


australiannationalreview--2020-04-03--Next in Coronavirus Tyranny: Forced Vaccinations and ‘Digital Certificates’

In my first week in the House of Representatives in 1976 , I cast one of the two votes against legislation appropriating funds for a swine flu vaccination program .
A swine flu outbreak was then dominating headlines , so most in DC were frantic to “ do something ” about the virus .
Unfortunately , the hastily developed and rushed-into-production swine flu vaccine was not only ineffective , it was dangerous .
Approximately 50 people who received the vaccine subsequently contracted Guillain-Barré syndrome , a potentially fatal form of paralysis .
According to an expert with the Centers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was four times higher among those who received the swine flu vaccine than in the general population .
That sad history may soon repeat itself .
Right now , governments and private industries are working to rapidly develop and deploy a coronavirus vaccine .
Microsoft founder Bill Gates , who is a major funder of these efforts , has suggested everyone who receives a vaccine be issued a “ digital certificate ” proving he has been vaccinated .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , whose record of wrong predictions makes him the Bill Kristol of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some proof they have been vaccinated .
Another authoritarian proposal floated to deal with coronavirus is to force everyone to download a phone app that will track their movements .
This would allow government officials to identify those who may have been near anyone who may have had coronavirus .
Such mandatory “ contact tracing ” is an assault on our privacy and liberty .
Vaccines can improve health .
For example , vaccines helped reduce the incidence of diseases like polio .
But not all vaccines are safe and effective for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as giving infants multiple vaccines at one time , may cause health problems .
The fact that vaccines may benefit some people , or even most people , does not justify government forcing individuals to be vaccinated .
It also does not justify vaccinating children against their parents ’ wishes .
And it certainly does not justify keeping individuals and families in involuntary quarantine because they do not have “ digital certificates ” proving they have had their shots .
If government can force individuals to receive medical treatment against their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why government can not force individuals to buy medical insurance , prohibit them from owning firearms , dictate their terms of employment , and prevent them from taking arguably harmful actions like smoking marijuana or drinking raw milk .
Similarly , if government can override parents ’ wishes regarding medical treatment for their children , then there is no reason why government can not usurp parental authority in other areas , such as education .
Proponents of mandatory vaccines and enhanced surveillance are trying to blackmail the American people by arguing that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a healthcare surveillance state and make vaccination mandatory .
The growing number of Americans who are tired of not being able to go to work , school , or church , or even to take their children to a park because of government mandates should reject this “ deal.
” Instead , they should demand an immediate end to the lockdowns and the restoration of individual responsibility for deciding how best to protect their health .

By Ron Paul
In my first week in the House of Representatives in 1976, I cast one of the two votes against legislation appropriating funds for a swine flu vaccination program. A swine flu outbreak was then dominating headlines, so most in DC were frantic to “do something” about the virus.
Unfortunately, the hastily developed and rushed-into-production swine flu vaccine was not only ineffective, it was dangerous. Approximately 50 people who received the vaccine subsequently contracted Guillain-Barré syndrome, a potentially fatal form of paralysis. According to an expert with the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of Guillain-Barré was four times higher among those who received the swine flu vaccine than in the general population.
That sad history may soon repeat itself. Right now, governments and private industries are working to rapidly develop and deploy a coronavirus vaccine. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who is a major funder of these efforts, has suggested everyone who receives a vaccine be issued a “digital certificate” proving he has been vaccinated. Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose record of wrong predictions makes him the Bill Kristol of epidemiology, also wants individuals to carry some proof they have been vaccinated.
Another authoritarian proposal floated to deal with coronavirus is to force everyone to download a phone app that will track their movements. This would allow government officials to identify those who may have been near anyone who may have had coronavirus. Such mandatory “contact tracing” is an assault on our privacy and liberty.
Vaccines can improve health. For example, vaccines helped reduce the incidence of diseases like polio. But not all vaccines are safe and effective for all people. Furthermore, certain modern practices, such as giving infants multiple vaccines at one time, may cause health problems. The fact that vaccines may benefit some people, or even most people, does not justify government forcing individuals to be vaccinated. It also does not justify vaccinating children against their parents’ wishes. And it certainly does not justify keeping individuals and families in involuntary quarantine because they do not have “digital certificates” proving they have had their shots.
If government can force individuals to receive medical treatment against their will, then there is no reason why government cannot force individuals to buy medical insurance, prohibit them from owning firearms, dictate their terms of employment, and prevent them from taking arguably harmful actions like smoking marijuana or drinking raw milk. Similarly, if government can override parents’ wishes regarding medical treatment for their children, then there is no reason why government cannot usurp parental authority in other areas, such as education.
Proponents of mandatory vaccines and enhanced surveillance are trying to blackmail the American people by arguing that the lockdown cannot end unless we create a healthcare surveillance state and make vaccination mandatory. The growing number of Americans who are tired of not being able to go to work, school, or church, or even to take their children to a park because of government mandates should reject this “deal.” Instead, they should demand an immediate end to the lockdowns and the restoration of individual responsibility for deciding how best to protect their health.


australiannationalreview--2020-04-02--Now Is The Time To Speak The Ideas of Liberty With Conviction

What if you took a stand and threw all your weight behind the fact that 2+2=4 ?
What if , while taking that stand people accused you of being an oddball ?
What if they called you a “ mathematical extremist ?
” What if they said “ Yeah , most of the time 2+2 does equal 4 , but there are certain extreme situations where that idea has to be abandoned , and you must believe that 2+2=5.
” Would you stick ?
Or would back down and drown yourself into the herd ?
Most people when reading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stick .
Of course 2+2=4 , and there are no “ extreme circumstances ” that can change that .
But the pressures of the herd are not on them , so its easy to affirm that they would stick .
Now let ’ s move from a mathematical absolute to an absolute about man ’ s nature : Every person is naturally endowed with individual liberty .
Every person is the final arbiter on what he or she believes , and how to act to make him or herself happy .
This individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very important and concrete “ built-in ” restraints , so to speak .
Since everyone is free , each is limited by the freedom of everyone else .
In other words , your liberty is limited by my liberty .
That is , you can do whatever you want with your life and your property as long as it does not harm or injure my life and my property .
At the same time , I can do whatever I want with my life and my property as long as it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If someone chooses not to abide by this “ built-in ” restraint , they are choosing to act as a tyrant , and against man ’ s nature .
For thousands of years , all the major religions and civilizations have acknowledged these principles : Don ’ t kill , don ’ t steal , don ’ t cheat…For these are the destroyers of life .
Again , if I were to present these ideas to most people , they would agree with every word of it .
In fact , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles , whether they consciously think about it or not .
But the tune changes when a person is confronted by the herd .
What if , while taking the stand for individual liberty people accused you of being an oddball ?
What if they called you an “ liberty extremist ?
” What if they say : “ Yeah , most of the time individual liberty is great , but there are certain circumstance where it must be disregarded and abandoned.
” But once the principle is compromised , that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violate a person ’ s individual liberty , the floodgates open and a deluge of excuses pour out to steal , kill and violate liberty .
Civilization then decays and declines ; gradually at first , and then very rapidly .
It would be no different then if 2+2=5 was believed to be true en masse .
Everything would start to fall apart…Everything .
The Sunshine Patriot , mentioned by the eloquent Thomas Paine , waits for it to safe to proclaim the ideas of Liberty .
He puts his finger in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t throw his weight behind the truth until he ’ s sure others will approve .
There is no need to wait around for the Sunshine Patriots .
They ’ ll eventually show up .
They always do .
Now is the time to defend the ideas of Liberty ; when the insults are flying , when the name-calling is abundant , and when the herd is racing everyone towards the cliff .
Liberty is the truth , in the same way that 2+2=4 is the truth .
America , of all places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not afraid to speak it and proclaim it with conviction .

By Chris Rossini
What if you took a stand and threw all your weight behind the fact that 2+2=4?
What if, while taking that stand people accused you of being an oddball? What if they called you a “mathematical extremist?” What if they said “Yeah, most of the time 2+2 does equal 4, but there are certain extreme situations where that idea has to be abandoned, and you must believe that 2+2=5.”
Would you stick? Or would back down and drown yourself into the herd?
Most people when reading the above would confidently say that they would stick. Of course 2+2=4, and there are no “extreme circumstances” that can change that.
But the pressures of the herd are not on them, so its easy to affirm that they would stick.
Now let’s move from a mathematical absolute to an absolute about man’s nature: Every person is naturally endowed with individual liberty. Every person is the final arbiter on what he or she believes, and how to act to make him or herself happy.
This individual liberty is not without restraint. There are very important and concrete “built-in” restraints, so to speak.
Since everyone is free, each is limited by the freedom of everyone else.
In other words, your liberty is limited by my liberty. That is, you can do whatever you want with your life and your property as long as it does not harm or injure my life and my property.
At the same time, I can do whatever I want with my life and my property as long as it doesn’t harm your life or property.
If someone chooses not to abide by this “built-in” restraint, they are choosing to act as a tyrant, and against man’s nature.
For thousands of years, all the major religions and civilizations have acknowledged these principles: Don’t kill, don’t steal, don’t cheat…For these are the destroyers of life.
Again, if I were to present these ideas to most people, they would agree with every word of it. In fact, a vast majority of people live by these principles, whether they consciously think about it or not.
But the tune changes when a person is confronted by the herd. What if, while taking the stand for individual liberty people accused you of being an oddball? What if they called you an “liberty extremist?”
What if they say: “Yeah, most of the time individual liberty is great, but there are certain circumstance where it must be disregarded and abandoned.”
But once the principle is compromised, that it’s OK to steal, kill and violate a person’s individual liberty, the floodgates open and a deluge of excuses pour out to steal, kill and violate liberty.
Civilization then decays and declines; gradually at first, and then very rapidly.
It would be no different then if 2+2=5 was believed to be true en masse. Everything would start to fall apart…Everything.
The Sunshine Patriot, mentioned by the eloquent Thomas Paine, waits for it to safe to proclaim the ideas of Liberty. He puts his finger in the wind and waits. He can’t throw his weight behind the truth until he’s sure others will approve.
There is no need to wait around for the Sunshine Patriots. They’ll eventually show up. They always do.
Now is the time to defend the ideas of Liberty; when the insults are flying, when the name-calling is abundant, and when the herd is racing everyone towards the cliff.
Liberty is the truth, in the same way that 2+2=4 is the truth.
America, of all places, should have plenty of patriots that are not afraid to speak it and proclaim it with conviction.