Possible flu vaccine side effects

It is important to point out that most people do not experience any side effects from the flu shot. Anyway, there are some side effects that could be seen at the site of the shot. The most common are soreness or swelling. Other side effects may include headache or low-grade fever.

The fact is that side effects of the flu shot are most likely to occur in children who have not been exposed to the flu before. Another possible complication is a slight fever or aching for the first day or two after the immunization, especially after the first dose of the vaccine. The more serious side effects are rare and can include a life-threatening allergic reaction. It is important to know that, because the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses, it may cause some mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.

There are harmful chemicals in the vaccine that some children might be sensitive to. The following is a partial list of those substances:

• Aluminum- it has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and seizures
• Formaldehydes – it is known to cause cancer
• Mercury - has been a topic of wide discussion.
• Monkey Tissue - is used to prepare the polio vaccine.

“The famous myth”

The most famous myth about the flu shot is that it can actually cause the flu. Because the influenza vaccine is made from killed influenza viruses, it means that it's IMPOSSIBLE to catch a flu by getting the vaccine.

Vaccination, pros and cons

Benefits

Most healthcare professionals believe that vaccinations are very effective. This is mainly based on the fact that vaccinations are responsible for the vast decline in many of our infectious and childhood illnesses. Vaccines are relatively harmless and pose very little risk.

Cons

Healthcare professionals against vaccinations have presented various arguments against vaccinations. They include the following:

• The susceptibility of different children isn't taken into account and for example, if a baby is born by a mother who has been using the intravenous drugs, the baby is more susceptible to such illnesses as hepatitis
• It is virtually impossible to eradicate all diseases.
• The fact is that natural immunity lasts longer.  
• There are benefits from having an illness like chickenpox, measles mumps or rubella in that there is lifelong immunity following infection.
• Diseases declined before the vaccinations. The disease of the 19th century in our society that had high fatality rates were smallpox, measles, tuberculosis, typhoid, diphtheria and influenza.
• The number of vaccines have increased over the years from 8 to 22