Some people are concerned about adverse reactions to flu shots and health organizations like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly referred to as the CDC try to belay these concerns by saying that adverse reaction to flu shot vaccinations is rare. Common reactions to flu shots include swelling, soreness and redness at the point of injection, body aches and low grade fever. The common reactions to flu shots are not of major concern; it is the rare adverse reaction to flu shot vaccinations that make some people wary of taking one.
Many researchers and doctors believe that severe reactions to flu shots occur because of thimerosal, a preservative that is 59% mercury. All flu shots contain some thimerosal; even those that are preservative free contain trace amounts. Mercury is a neurotoxin, meaning that it damages or destroys nerve and brain cells. Researchers believe that they have established a link between mercury and autism. It is believed that an increase in autism over the last several years is an adverse reaction to flu shot and other childhood vaccinations.
Some researchers and doctors believe that an increase in Alzheimer’s is an adverse reaction to flu shot vaccinations, again because of mercury and other metals that are used in manufacturing. According to one doctor’s research, people who had five consecutive influenza vaccines between the years 1970 and 1980 were ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than individuals who had none, one or two. Since Alzheimer’s does not develop immediately after a vaccination, researchers are unable to prove that it is an adverse reaction to flu shot ingredients. In fact the CDC states that there is “no convincing evidence” that mercury has caused any reactions to flu shots other than redness, soreness and swelling at the point of injection. Their view is that these minor reactions to flu shots are due to allergies in certain people, but that mercury in flu shots poses no danger to the general public and that the benefits of the flu vaccine outweigh any risks.
Still, the CDC does advise that some people should not take the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine. Anyone who is allergic to chicken eggs could have adverse reaction to flu shot vaccinations, because chicken eggs are used to grow the influenza viruses. The CDC advises that allergic reactions to flu shots will occur within the first hours after receiving the shot and could include accelerated heart rate, breathing problems, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness or dizziness. Any adverse reaction to flu shot vaccinations should be reported to a physician and he should file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System form.
For more information about adverse reactions to flu shots and for general information about influenza, the common cold and other viruses, visit www.immune-system-booster-guide.com.
