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The human gut microbiota has many functions. It maintains equilibrium within the body and aids in many physiological processes of the body such as digestions. The microbiome of the human has been a place of research for various diseases and their pathology. A research conducted on Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), showed how the change in gut microbiota has contributes to intestinal inflammation in IBD. This research also showed how the gut microbiome could serve as a potential target and prevention of this disease.

There was been much research conducted to discover that gut microbes can cause cancer-promoting inflammations. Gut microbes also make the tumor more resistance and prevent the body from conduction anticancer immune responses. On the other hand, there has also been researched conducted that has found that some amount of microbes are good. These microbes serve as immunity enhancers. As Jeniffer Wargo, an oncologist in Houston stated “Modulating the microbes makes complete sense”.

After analyzing both articles, I realized that I have a love/hate relationship with microbiota. Though they are harmful, they are also helpful. I agree with the Houston oncologist, it is important to keep a balance of the microbiome. I do not think it is completely right to eliminate microbiota from the human body since it also helps with intestinal diseases as mentioned in the first article. Everything is good as long it is kept to a balance.

According to an article posted in Live Science, it was announced that the vaccine does not match the strain of the flu that is circulating through the Unites States. It was examined that in most cases of Influenza B a different subgroup was found in comparison to the one in the vaccine. Influenza B has been more commonly found in children, according to a report posted on CDS. The research was conducted in the state of Louisiana. It was reported that 18 of the 27 pediatric death were associated with an Influenza B Virus.

Through the CDS report, it was said that there was a change in this season flue viruses appearance. For 27 years there has not been a dominant appearance of Influenza B over Influenza A. The last time we saw the predominance of this virus was during the 1992-93 flue season of the United States. It was concluded that out the 83 Influenza B viruses one was included in the Northern-Hemisphere vaccine. Though the strains found in the affected population do not perfectly match those of the one is the vaccine, the are closely similar to still provide protection.

After analyzing both articles, at first, I was a little frustrated to know that the flu vaccine may not exactly match the viruses being spread. The first thought that came to my head was how unprotected people were to fight off the flu. I became extremely worried for kids, as the studied suggest they were the ones at most risks. After completely reading the CDS article, I came to understand that the human population may not be in so much danger. Though the vaccine may not match the Influenza B viruses, it still EXTREMELY important to get vaccinated.

Andrew Wakefield conducted a study with a very irrational sample size of 12, in which, 11 were boys. Wakefield and his colleagues chose and picked the results that presented the data that pleased their beliefs. Through their unethical actions, they were able to convince many parents that the MMR vaccine could trigger autism. This research caused many children not to get vaccinated and the number of outbreaks around the world began to rise. Wakefield was “toying” with human health for financial interests. His research was questioned by other scientists since both, vaccination and autism, happens in early childhood.

According to the Pew Research Center, vaccination has dramatically decreased in more than half of the U.S states. Not only that, but there has been the highest number of reported cases in 2019 over 25 years. A study was conducted using surveys to rate the health benefits and risks of the MMR vaccine. Different factors such a race and ethnicity, age, religion, education, etc. influence the thoughts of the people being surveyed.

After reading and analyzing the research conducted, I was shocked by some of the results. As mentioned in the research, 16% of the public believed that vaccination decisions should be left in the hands of parents. This is absurd because the decision of an individual should not harm and create health risks for others. It was also found out that communities with certain religious beliefs are more likely to think parents should have the decision than others. Religion is an ethical matter and that can be negotiable but the health of people should not be subjected to these decisions.

I am Vanessa Barquera. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am a first year, pre-nursing major with a minor in Spanish for the professions. One of my goals include visiting all 50 states of the United States. As of January of 2020, I have visited 10 states. My favorite, of course, being Texas!

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