On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an impeding pandemic of a new form of influenza: the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Yet, as the peak of the flu season draws near, the proposed H1N1 vaccine still seems to raise concerns.
About the Swine Flu
Originally called “swine flu,” the 2009 H1N1 virus actually has genes from flu viruses that are found in pigs, birds, and humans. Although the H1N1 virus is not any more deadly than seasonal flu, it attacks younger people.
The H1N1 flu usually lasts from four to six days, but a person is contagious from one day before to seven days after symptoms strike. The symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu
What Flu Shots Contain
Flu vaccines –seasonal or H1N1—are available as injections or intranasal sprays. To help boost and train the immune system to recognize a real live flu virus, flu shots can contain viral protein or inactivated flu viruses. In contrast, FluMist nasal sprays contain weakened, but live flu viruses.
The following list of additional ingredients of the regular flu shot was compiled by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, an Ohio-based physician:
- Egg proteins (including avian contaminant viruses)
- Gelatin (can cause allergic reactions)
- Polysorbate 80 (Tween80™) (can cause severe allergies, and was associated with infertility in female mice)
- Formaldehyde (cancer-causing)
- Triton X100 (a strong detergent)
- Sucrose (table sugar)
- Resin (can cause allergic reactions)
- Gentamycin (antibiotic)
- Thimerosal (a mercury compound
Common Concerns about the H1N1 Vaccine
In 1976, U.S. cases of swine flu brought back the fear of the deadly pandemic of 1918. The U.S. government reacted by fast-tracking the production of a 1976 H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine and started a campaign of mass immunizations. However, by October, 1976, after 40 million people had already been vaccinated, immunizations were stopped because of the strong link between the vaccine and a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Another concern comes from the FluMist nasal spray vaccine. Because it contains live H1N1 virus, some doctors and hospitals fear that the FluMist vaccine might endanger people with weakened immune systems and underlying diseases. The live virus contained in the nasal spray is weakened, but it can reportedly spread from person to person for up to three weeks. Since the nasal spray is being introduced weeks before the milder, injectable vaccine, some fear that the nasal spray will contribute to a wider pandemic.
A third concern is the possible use of adjuvants, such as squalene. Adjuvants are substances that “super-agitate” the body’s immune response to the vaccine. As a result, in the presence of adjuvants, even smaller amounts of vaccine can cause a strong immune reaction. However, animal studies have linked squalene adjuvants to such diseases as arthritis, lupus, and lower-limb paralysis. So far, the use of squalene with the H1N1 vaccine has not been announced, but is not excluded.
Yet another concern is the mercury compound Thimerosal. Thimerosal is used to keep multi-dose vaccines from getting contaminated. However, such studies as the Cal-Oregon Unvaccinated Survey, have suggested a link between mercury-containing vaccines and the increase in autism or neuro-developmental problems in children. Single-dose vaccines do not usually contain Thimerosal.
An additional concern is the rush to market the swine flu vaccine, especially considering the fact that none of the five vaccine makers will be liable for any negative effects the vaccine may have on some individuals. Vaccines usually have to be tested for safety and efficacy in many trials and go through a long approval process. Yet even a “safe” vaccine is not necessarily “risk-free.” To illustrate, the HPV vaccine Gardasil was approved after five clinical trials. Yet, as of September 2009, according to CDC reports, Gardasil vaccine was associated with 15,037 adverse events, including 44 deaths. Serious adverse effects of vaccines are rare, but they do occur.
Weighing the Risks Against the Benefits
From April 15, 2009 to July 24, 2009, the Centers for disease Control (CDC) reported 43,771 confirmed and probable U.S. cases of H1N1 infection, 5,011 hospitalizations and 302 deaths. Many of those who died also had bacterial infections. In comparison, the CDC estimates that the seasonal flu accounts for an average of more than 20,000 deaths every year.
Health is a precious asset. The fear generated around the swine flu pandemic makes it necessary to seek out unbiased information from several sources. An informed opinion is especially important because all five swine flu vaccine makers contracting with the federal government have received protection against lawsuits if someone gets sick or dies.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control: H1N1 (Swine Flu)
References
U.S. Centers for Disease Control: H1N1 (Swine Flu)
eMedicine: H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu). Michael Stuart Bronze, MD
The Truth about the Flu Shot: What’s in the Regular Flu Shot? Sherri Tenpenny, DO (June 2009)
Suzanne Mendjiwa - Suzanne's journey toward freelance writing is a logical result of her love for reading. As a child -in her native Cameroon, and then in ...
Join the Conversation