Summary And Reflection: The Panic Virus

Summary and Reflection on The Panic Virus

Amid the ongoing dispute that links vaccines with autism, Seth Mnookin has published The Panic Virus in 2011. Due to what must be the success of the book, the author has re-published the book with an afterword in 2012. The book’s purpose is to provide perception of the truth using scientific facts and evidence. The author’s curiosity and interest in the issue grew after the realization of the suspicion of his friends toward the medical establishment and instead rely on journalism and media. Seth Mnookin’s powerful stance on the issue is clear in the chapters of the book; vaccines do not cause autism. Throughout the book, Mnookin approaches the growing controversy by presenting medical facts and proof as support. In this book report, I will summarize the main ideas of the book surrounding the vaccine-autism controversy. Which are the author’s reason for writing the book,

I have always believed that vaccines are mandatory and benefit more than harm. The Panic Virus has intensified my opinion and allowed me to understand the other party. While I disagree with the anti-vaccine movement and find most, if not all, of their actions and excuses absurd, I can see where they come from. If I were a parent, it will be worrying. Through the several stories in the book, the parents did observe the symptoms after their child received vaccination. Even though that is not evidence that vaccines do cause autism, it is easier to blame vaccines and determine a cause for their child’s illness. What I still find hard to comprehend, is even though it has been proven through several studies that vaccines do not cause autism, the activists still stand their ground and refuse to accept the truth. That is extremely unreasonable. All the activists are doing is start a flaming fire. The media’s position in not of help either and adds fuel to the already flaming