Swine Flu Shot

Is the Swine Flu shot: Safe? Effective? Should I get swine flu shots?

Let's talk safety first.

You may have heard reports that both the British Health Protection Agency and the US Centers For Disease control have sent out letters to neurologists in Britain and the US asking them to look out for an increase in a brain disorder called Guillian-Barre Syndrome - and to notify their respective governments of all cases of this disease that they diagnose in patients that have received the swine flu shot.

Guillian-Barre Syndrome is a disease that attacks the lining of the nerves, leaving them unable to transmit signals to the muscles. This can cause partial paralysis and, if it affects the lungs, can be fatal.

The concern of the British and US governments is based solely on the fact that a similar swine flu vaccine killed more people than it helped in the US in 1976.

The British and US governments simply view their warning letters to neurologists as a reasonable precaution under the circumstances.

Next is effectiveness:  There has been debate if one or two shots are required to give adequate protection against the swine flu.  Some scientists still think two shots are best.  However, a person will probably only receive one so that as many people as possible can be vaccinated.

Second, the swine flu vaccine does not protect against the seasonal flu and vice versa. 

There are people for whom the swine flu or any other type of flu can be deadly.  The people at highest risk are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with preexisting diseases like diabetes.

The interesting part is these are the people for whom the flu shot is not very effective.  The best way to protect these people is to immunize everybody else so that they never get exposed.

Most immunizations make sense from a public health perspective, which is why they are so strongly supported by the medical community.

However for healthy individuals with strong immune systems and no preexisting diseases, the risk benefit ratios are not so clear cut.  Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits.

Thirdly, should you get a swine flu shot?

If you are a healthy individual, that is a very personal decision and I won't presume to make it for you. I've just given you some facts that you may not have known about to ponder as you make that decision.

For people who are at risk for developing severe complications from the swine flu itself (young children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with preexisting diseases like diabetes) this is a decision that you should make in consultation with your physician."

If you'd like another option that only has side benefits, go here. 

Thank you Dr. Chaney for providing this information. 

Always here to help.

Mary Beth
www.mamabearproductions.net