Dangers and Side Effects of the Swine Flu Shot
Mercury Toxicity, GBS, and Allergies Present Risks for H1N1 Vaccine
Oct 21, 2009
Side effects of the swine flu shot are rare. Potential for H1N1 vaccine side effects or reactions may arise from the presence of thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury. This preservative is used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi within many vaccines, including the swine flu shot. A neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome has also been identified as a potential side effect of swine flu shots. It has long been linked to vaccinations, such as the swine flu vaccine. Food allergies may prevent some individuals from taking advantage of the protection offered by the H1N1 vaccine due to potential reactions.
Swine Flu Shots Containing Mercury
Many formulations of the swine flu vaccine contain a preservative called thimerosal, which is mercury based. Thimerosal is typically only used in multi-dose formulations of vaccines, and is used to kill bacteria and fungus, which can be fatal if injected. The FDA has approved vaccine formulations using thimerosal as a preservative, but this preservative has been declining in use over the years. Currently, it is only present in trace amounts in children's vaccines. The FDA recommends that all children over six months receive the swine flu vaccine, with or without thimerosal.
H1N1 Vaccine and Nerve Damage
The H1N1 vaccine, and other vaccinations, can result in a condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This neurological condition is a side effect that can manifest within a day or so of vaccination. Early symptoms include numbness and weakness in the legs, which then extends to the upper body. This condition as a result of surgery or vaccination is extremely rare but can be fatal. Patients with severe cases of this condition require hospitalization, and may need artificial respiration to assist in breathing. Nerve damage from Guillain-Barré Syndrome may be permanent, but will often improve over time.
Swine Influenza Vaccination with Allergies
The swine influenza vaccine is created using the eggs of chickens. The virus is injected into a chicken egg, allowed to grow and multiply, and then used to create the vaccine. As a result of this process, the vaccine may contain small amounts of egg protein. To individuals with an egg allergy, even this tiny amount can be dangerous. For this reason, the swine influenza vaccine is not recommended for anyone with allergic reactions to eggs.
Swine Flu Shot Safety
Safety of the swine flu shot is dependent on the individual. Infants under the age of six months should not receive the H1N1 vaccine, and individuals with egg allergies should also avoid the H1N1 shot. For all other populations, the CDC considers the swine influenza vaccine to be safe.
Manufacturers of the swine flu vaccines do not recomment the swine flu vaccine for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but the CDC recommends immunization for these high risk individuals based on seasonal flu trials. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may confer immune benefits to their infants by getting vaccinated. Young children and the elderly are protected from infection, and potential complications, with the swine influenza vaccine.
The risks of getting GBS from the H1N1 shot are equal to the risks from any other vaccination. The presence of thimerosal in vaccines has not been proven to be a risk for autism or any other condition. Particularly for at-risk populations, the safety of the swine flu shot may outweigh any potential risks. The only known side effects for the swine flu shot are local, and include redness and swelling.
Related Articles:
Swine Flu Shot and Nerve Disease
H1N1 Vaccination Linked to GBS: Guillain-Barré Syndrome
H1N1 vaccination has the same risk as the 1976 swine flu shot. Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or GBS, is a nerve disease causing nerve damage which can start with a flu shot.
Risks of Swine Flu Shot Containing Thimerosal
Mercury-Based Preservative Used in H1N1 Vaccination May Be Dangerous
Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative, eliminated from most children's vaccines to prevent mercury toxicity, but not from multi-dose formulations of swine flu shots.
Dangers to Babies from the Swine Flu Vaccine
H1N1 Vaccination Safety vs. Risks for Infants and Small Children
Infants and toddlers are vulnerable to swine flu infection, but may not be eligible for H1N1 vaccination. The CDC advises of swine flu shot safety and risks for babies.
Popular ways to prevent infection: Do swine flu masks and hand sanitizers protect from H1N1 viruses?
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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