In America, we have entered a new era—One in which you can’t rely on the federal government for good healthcare guidance. For the first time in my three decades in medicine, the federal government is no longer to be trusted with respect to medical advice. This creates a confusing mess for patients looking to make good decisions. In an unprecedented situation, medical organizations have come out strongly contradicting the bogus messaging coming from the current administration. For patients with pulmonary fibrosis this creates an especially dangerous situation.
Until recently, public health was not a political issue. Sure, there were fringe elements who put forward conspiracy theories that were obviously false. But now the same completely untrustworthy people who were widely known to be uninformed and uneducated in public health are in charge of Department of Health and Human Services. In order to clear the field of educated, informed and expert opinions that undermined his conspiracy theories, RFK jr. fired all the experts. In their place he has brought in pretenders that drink from the same poisoned well of conspiracy theories.
So where does this leave patients who need clear and accurate information?
First and foremost, lean on the doctors that have been taking care of you. Ask your primary care doctor, ask your pulmonologist. RFK jr. does not care one ounce about you and your health. He is a nincompoop who struggles to understand a Dr. Zeus story let alone medical research. He could not care less if you are gravely in the hospital.
INFLUENZA (FLU)
Influenza is a leading cause of illness in the winter. Each year about 50,000 Americans die from influenza and pneumonia. Each winter millions of Americans miss work related to influenza. Serious problems related to flu vaccination are very rare. Serious allergic reactions occur in approximately one in a million. Guillain Barre, a rare neurologic disease, occurs in approximately one in a hundred thousand vaccine recipients. Furthermore, egg allergy is no longer considered a barrier to receiving flu vaccination.
COVID
COVID remains a serious health problem. Despite the lack of publicity about the prevalence of ongoing infections, COVID continues to circulate in our communities and patients continue to get sick. For most people, COVID now is something between a cold and the flu. However, for patients with lung disease and patients whose immune system does not work well, COVID can still be life-threatening.
COVID vaccines are safe and effective. The mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer have and outstanding safety records. Data is compelling that people who are vaccinated against COVID have a greatly reduced likelihood of dying or being hospitalized with COVID infection. As of January 2025, data did not show a link between the mRNA vaccines and Guillain Barre. Furthermore, updated data shows that the risk of heart muscle inflammation is extremely low and patients in general make a full recovery quite quickly. The risks of heart muscle inflammation are much higher with COVID infection than with COVID vaccination. Blood clots are not associated with the mRNA vaccines.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a serious winter virus that is extremely contagious. It is well known to be the most common cause of hospitalization for children in the winter. We now also understand that it can be life-threatening for adults with chronic lung disease. Not only can RSV lead to life-threating pneumonia, but milder infections can leave you with a cough that can last months. Fortunately, we have a very effective vaccine. RSV vaccination in adults 60 years and older lowers by 80% your risk of hospitalization for RSV pneumonia and lowers by 94% your risk of becoming critically ill with RSV pneumonia. Risks of RSV vaccination are very low. There may be a tiny increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation after vaccination (10 cases out of 12,500 compared to 4 cases out of 12,500). The risk of Guillain Barre is also very slightly increased. Protection from RSV conferred by the vaccine probably decreases over time. However, current recommendations are still for the vaccine to be given only once.
Let me be very clear and I will put this in terms that even the most vaccine-skeptical readers can appreciate:
VACCINES ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE
THE GREATEST ADVANCES IN MODERN MEDICINE ARE OUR VACCINES
THEY ARE GREAT. THEY SAVE LIVES.
Make a good decision. Stay current with your flu, COVID, RSV and pneumonia vaccinations.