Influenza (cont.)
Is it safe to get a flu shot that contains thimerosal?
Thimerosal is a preservative that contains mercury and is used in multidose vials of conventional and novel H1N1 flu vaccines to prevent contamination when the vial is repeatedly used to extract the vaccine. Although thimerosal is being phased out as a vaccine preservative, it is still used in flu vaccines in low levels. There is no data that indicates thimerosal in these vaccines has caused autism or other problems in individuals. Consequently, the FDA has published these two questions with clear answers that are quoted below:
"Is it safe for children to receive an influenza vaccine that contains thimerosal?
Yes. There is no convincing evidence of harm caused by the small doses of thimerosal preservative in influenza vaccines, except for minor effects like swelling and redness at the injection site."
Is it safe for pregnant women to receive an influenza vaccine?
Yes. A study of influenza vaccination examining over 2,000 pregnant women demonstrated no adverse fetal effects associated with influenza vaccine. Case reports and limited studies indicate that pregnancy can increase the risk for serious medical complications of influenza. One study found that out of every 10,000 women in their third trimester of pregnancy during an average flu season, 25 will be hospitalized for flu-related complications."
However, the FDA goes on to say that single-dose vials of conventional and novel H1N1 flu vaccines will not contain the preservative thimerosal, so that if a person wants to avoid the thimerosal, they can ask for vaccine that comes in a single-dose vial. The nasal spray vaccine contains no thimerosal, but it is not recommended for use
in pregnant women.
Where can I find additional information about the flu?
During a flu pandemic, guidelines and situations can change rapidly. People are advised to be aware that several sources are available to them to keep current with developments. The Web sites below are frequently updated, especially when a pandemic is declared. The first Web site contains an update written for the public and caregivers; the government and WHO sites provide detailed information that are updated as guidelines and developments occur.
http://www.medicinenet.com/swine_flu/article.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
http://www.who.int/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/vaccines/QuestionsaboutVaccines/ucm070430.htm
- Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by viruses
that infect the respiratory tract.
- Influenza viruses are divided into three types, designated A, B, and
C.
- Most people who get the conventional or seasonal flu recover completely in one to two weeks, but
some people develop serious and potentially life- threatening medical
complications, such as pneumonia.
- Much of the illness and death caused by conventional or seasonal influenza can be prevented by
annual influenza vaccination.
- Influenza A undergoes frequent antigenic changes that require new vaccines to be developed and people to obtain a new vaccination every year.
- In April, 2009, a new flu virus termed novel H1N1 swine flu developed in Mexico, rapidly spread worldwide, and has caused the WHO to declare flu pandemic.
- Like the influenza virus, drug treatments are constantly changing and improving, but currently, timely vaccination is still considered to be the best defense against the flu.
- People should be aware that flu pandemics can cause severe flu symptoms and sometimes death in many individuals who may be more susceptible to the pandemic flu than the conventional flu.
- Individuals should check with their doctors to determine if they are considered to be at higher risk of getting severe flu symptoms than the normally healthy population.
REFERENCES:
Monto, A.S., Ohmit, S.E., Petrie, J.G., Johnson, E., Truscon, R., Teich, E., Rotthoff, J., Boulton, M., Victor, J.C. "Comparative Efficacy of Inactivated and Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines." N Engl J Med 361 Sept. 24, 2009: 1260.
Perez-Padilla, R., de la Rosa-Zamboni, D., Ponce de Leon, S.P., Hernandez, M., Quinones-Falconi, F., Bautista, E., Ramirez-Venegas, A., Rojas-Serrano, J., Ormsby, C.E., Corrales, A., Higuera, A., Mondragon, E., Cordova-Villalobos, J.A. "Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure from Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) in Mexico."
N Engl J Med 361 Aug. 13, 2009: 680.
United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)." Oct. 12, 2009. <http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/>.
Last Editorial Review: 10/29/2009
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