Are the Fears About the Swine Flu Vaccine Valid?
The creation of the swine flu vaccine has not convinced the general public that it is the main method of controlling the swine flu symptoms. The news media reports that many people are not trusting of this new, quickly developed and under-tested vaccine, and some people feel that the shot will cause greater harm than the flu itself. As result, there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the vaccine.
It is difficult to say whether this reaction to the swine flu vaccine is justified or not. In 1976, there was an outbreak of swine influenza that resulted in a vaccine that was developed by the government. Treating the flu through a nation-wide vaccination program was initiated, yet it actually resulted in more deaths and illnesses than what was caused by the flu alone. One of the worst side effects of this vaccination was Guillain-Barr syndrome, which is a disorder that results in paralysis.
Based on health data, the vaccine for swine flu back in 1976 resulted in the deaths of people, and there is now substantiation that the vaccine produced this year has likewise done a similar thing. In most of the instances that resulted in mortality, the victims had various fundamental health difficulties that it appears were not able to contend with the vaccination as well. Despite the fact that this is a form of reassurance, if indeed you’re relatively healthy, it nevertheless indicates that in order to stop the swine flu pandemic, there is a risk of mortality from the vaccine.
While there are certain concerns about problems the swine influenza vaccine could cause, there are more general, public health concerns. Some people believe that the vaccine might keep them from getting sick because of the H1N1 virus, yet that their general immune system strength will be compromised. This is not necessarily an argument in opposition to the H1N1 vaccine, yet against vaccinations on the whole. These folks think that swine flu treatment should consist primarily of vitamins and rest, instead of being injected with mysterious compounds.
As a result of all these swine flu vaccine fears, there is now a low percentage of the general population that are interested in receiving the vaccine. There was a similar response in 1976, where distrust of the results and the national news surrounding the situation meant most people decided not to get the vaccine. Whether that is the right decision now, with a very different world and a different level of exposure to the virus, remains to be seen.
Swine flu is dominating the headlines. Should you be worried? Get the answers to your questions at H1N1 Swine Flu Facts.