Dangers and Side Effects of the Swine Flu Shot

Mercury Toxicity, GBS, and Allergies Present Risks for H1N1 Vaccine

Oct 21, 2009
Victoria Nicks

Eggs are Used for Swine Flu Vaccine - jan-willem

Some formulations of the H1N1 vaccine contain mercury. Nerve damage may result from swine flu vaccinations. Certain allergies are not compatible with the swine flu shot.

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.

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

Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.

Comments

Oct 25, 2009 12:34 AM

Guest :

Due to the high amount of patients that are egg sensitive, there has to be a vaccine developed , why not try synthetic egg, or SOMETHING... they can put men on the moon, why cant they develop non embryonic vaccines?????

Oct 26, 2009 7:08 AM

Guest :

I don't believe that enough research has been done concerning the vaccine. 5 months of research is just not enough. Another thing that concerns me is the fact that the pharmaceutical companies cannot be held accountable for anything that happens to someone who gets the shot. The amount of thimerosol in the vaccine is another concern of mine. I just don't feel it's safe to get the vaccine at thia time.

Oct 26, 2009 1:18 PM

Guest :

I was watchin the online story of the normal flu shot and what it did to the cheerleader Desiree Jennings that shot has been around much longer than this new H1N1 shot I just think it may be a little dangerous as it says you can possibly get Guillain-Barré Syndrome and that in it self is pretty scary to me. I would like to know the percent of our chances of getting Guillain or any other life threatening side effects. I think it needs a bit more research.Not getting the shot is scary and I'm also scared to get it.

Oct 27, 2009 5:05 PM

Guest :

I've seen what Gillian-Barre can do.. This is not a disease that can be easily conquer and MS is almost a certainty afterward.... Think about it.. People need to smarten up about hygien no vaccine is going to fix it.

Oct 28, 2009 6:41 AM

Guest :

This is terrible!! The media has made us so afraid of NOT getting this vaccine but if you research it you become very afraid to get the vaccine. I would love to know which risk is higher/worse...I have two 2 year olds and simply dont know what to do. It seems that either way I am pressing my luck with my childrens lives which is beyond scary. I just dont know what to do!!! :(

Oct 28, 2009 6:59 PM

Guest :

Seven year old with moderate to sever asthma. I have to say with the research and all the pro's and con's people have a 50% chance either way we choose to go. Need more facts!!! I don't want to loose my son!!!

Nov 4, 2009 10:31 AM

Guest :

my daughter (21 yo) got h1n1 vaccine shot yesterday - within a few hours she became ill (low fever and chills & fatigue then extreme vomitting) - went to bed, woke up feeling much better - we're gonna send info to http://vaers.hhs.gov/index later tonight but was looking for any feedback now - any thoughts?

Nov 4, 2009 10:31 AM

Guest :

Nov 28, 2009 3:49 PM

Guest :

My niece received the h1n1 vaccine at the same time as the flu shot vaccine. she is experiencing lots of sweeling and hives. shes only in kindergarden. she was taken to the emergency room and they said they can not do anything. the doctor that administered the shots should know what to do. but when she is taken back to the doctor, she says there is nothing she can do. some days she experiences swelling in half of her body, or all over. nobody wants to talk to her in school anymore. she has no friends.its all just so sad.more research needs to be done to help these rare cases. how are they just going to let this happen. it is unfair. specially to children at such a young age.

Dec 4, 2009 10:30 AM

Guest :

I am a dibetic and i just got my letter and i dont no what to do have it or not the side effects that can happen make me think twice i am a single mum work hard to pay the bills and keep a roof over there heads if anything happens to me what happens to my childern but if i get swine flu that scares me to so i dont no ?

Dec 9, 2009 6:59 PM

Guest :

yesterday i got the vacine for H1N1 today i can barely move every muscle in my body is sore ,, i have a wicked head ache and am very very thirsty ... i am coughing and i have chills up and down my body . hot one minute and cold the next ..... how long will this last ?
you left out how long the side effects last in your artical ....
when i first got the needle and i was sitting in the car i got a very bad head ache ,,, then my legs started to tingle and that moved up my body untill my arms were tingling too it was like my whole body was alseep you know like when your foot goes to sleep ?

Dec 11, 2009 10:11 AM

Guest :

i got the shot last thursday n 3 to 4 dayz later i broke out n little bumps on my bodie is that a side effect?

Dec 16, 2009 4:19 AM

Guest :

Why out your self through all this I ve read the comments and to hear little childrens cannot be helped is an outrage. Everybody do your reasearch before you go and jab yourself our bodies were created to fight germs. I ve heard far to many if the same stories from my friends and now I read the same thing here. Tell me what is normal with all if thus , it is not normal we far to much trust in the Gov whatever you do don't vaccinate your children it will have long term affects and if my children were getting hives and swelling I would not be doing it ever again . Go back to natural god given medicine read books about health. I don't want a live disease in my body to try and fight .

Jan 19, 2010 7:32 AM

Guest :

HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DECIDE WICH IS THE BIGGEST RISK FOR MY 2 YEAR OLD ????

May 6, 2010 6:12 PM

Guest :

my aunt is a nurse at EMH she won't even take any flu shot let alone h1n1, if this new stain poped up out of no where how did they have the amount of vaccine to give to so many people just as quickly think about that. I have never got a flu shot no one in my family ever has and none of us have ever had the flu. the common cold yes, flu no.

Sep 26, 2010 12:43 AM

Guest :

I found this article interesting in the fact that it is the only one I've read that addresses Autoimmune Disorders caused by Flu vaccines. Last year I got both the regular flu shot and also the H1N1 vaccine. Shortly after I was diagnosed with Lupus Anticoagulant and as a result, my neurologist said I also had a mini stroke. I am being followed for the Lupus Anticoagulant, and at this time, 7 months later, the Antibody is not detectable in my blood. I don't know whether to get this year's vaccine. Doctors don't have much to say about this.

Oct 27, 2010 9:23 AM

Guest :

i got the shot yesterday at work today i've got the usual sore arm and then this morning tingling in my arm as well as chest pains. i have been on every web site available to me about side effects and found nothing except swelling, red area around site and soreness. i was told that the side effects were just the same as the regular flu shot... ummm not so true. i work in nursing so when they say it's the same you take it for what it is not again. is there anyone out there who actually knows the side effects? i'm thinking not!! not even the fda

Dec 6, 2010 9:15 PM

Guest :

I got the flu shot Oct. 15, 2010 and was sick with a wicked cold for a month and went to the doctor. I was put on a puffer to ease the persistent cough I developed and my muscle in my arm where I received the flu shot with the H1N1 in it has been sore since I got it. I can barely lift my arm and it seems to be getting worse. I wake up in the morning and can't move it at all. I was not told by the nurse giving me my flu shot this year that the H1N1 was included in the seasonal flu shot. If I would have known it was the only flu shot to get I would have refused it. I never took it last year when it came out because I didn't trust it. I have had the seasonal flu shots since 1995 and have never had any problems with them until this year. Should I go and see my doctor about the sore arm muscle or wait and see what happens? I am not sure what to do. All I know is it is very sore and painful.

Jan 15, 2011 11:39 AM

Guest :

I found this article to be very informativbe and helpful. I had a Swine 'Flu vaccination 2 days ago, and yesterday I noted pain and swelling at the vaccination site, I also have muscular pain and a headache. My neck is particularly painful and I intend to contact a health professional to check me out. I already suffer from Fibromyalgia, which is well controlled; however, I am concerned that the vaccination could have further compromised my central nervous system even though the pain I am suffering is not typical of Fibromyalgia pain.

Mar 15, 2011 11:03 AM

Guest :

I'm 45 and got my flu shot last November. I didn't know it had the H1N1 and H2N2 untlil I was getting the shot. I wish I would have never got it. I've been sick ever since, stomache upset, fatigue, body aches and headaches. I'll never get another one. I only hope that these symptoms go away. I use to get the regular seasonal flu shot and was fine. What's up with these new shots. Why can't we just get the regular flu shot anymore?

Apr 11, 2012 12:14 AM

Guest :

my friend received the swine flu injection in 2010, she became very will with side effects like the Guillain- Barre Syndrome. from a vibrant outgoing happy person to a bed ridden handicapp that cant even comb her hair... all because of the swine flu shot and the government does not want to know about it neither do all doctors and specialists. if she were to receive the shot again how would her body react to it??? she has tried everything!!!

21 Comments