H1N1 Vaccine Side Effects vs. Swine Flu Symptoms
Are the H1N1 Symptoms Bad Enough to Risk Long-Term Adverse Effects?
Nov 5, 2009
The H1N1 vaccine's side effects are currently being reported as minimal. Health officials expect no long-term adverse effects from the swine flu vaccine, but the risk of permanent side effects due to H1N1 vaccination does exist. The majority of people who are infected with the swine flu only experience minor symptoms. Some individuals, however, experience complications from an influenza infection which can be fatal. It is important to take individual circumstances into account when deciding whether or not to immunize against the swine flu.
Minor Swine Flu Vaccine Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects from the swine flu vaccine include local discomfort at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, and pain. In addition, after vaccination, some people experience a headache, body aches, fatigue and nausea, and may even have a mild fever. These are typical side effects associated with all seasonal influenza vaccinations. It is unclear whether these symptoms derive from the additives within the vaccine or the inactivated virus that causes an immune response during vaccination.
Severe H1N1 Vaccination Side Effects
More severe side effects resulting from H1N1 vaccine may come from a variety of conditions.
- The H1N1 vaccine can cause reactions in people with allergies, including egg allergies and allergies to antibiotics, gelatin, and monosodium glutamate (MSG), since all of these substances are found in various formulations of the H1N1 vaccine.
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a nerve disease that can cause permanent numbness or paralysis. This condition has been associated with surgery and immunizations. Individuals who have experienced GBS in the past are at a higher risk of contracting it again, and are cautioned against getting the swine flu vaccination by the manufacturers.
- Many people believe that autism, and other neurological disorders, result from vaccinations due to additives such as thimerosal. Thimerosal is a preservative used to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria in the vaccine between doses, and contains mercury. The H1N1 vaccine contains up to 25 micrograms of mercury per dose, which is many times the safe dose for the average person (One-tenth of a microgram for every 2.2 pounds of body weight) according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Swine Flu Symptoms
Swine flu symptoms may include the following:
- A mild swine flu infection results in typical flu symptoms, which may include fever, body aches, headache, sinus congestion, runny nose, nausea, and chills. These symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, while more severe symptoms should be evaluated by a physician.
- An infection with the H1N1 virus can also become complicated, with more severe symptoms. In babies, severe symptoms include a blue-gray color to the skin, difficulty breathing, and dehydration. Adults may also experience breathing problems, including shortness of breath. Pain and/or pressure in the chest or in the abdominal area, dizziness and confusion, and ongoing vomiting are also indications that the infection needs medical evaluation.
References:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
World Health Organization
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