Friday, December 5, 2008

What You May Not Know About Flu Shots


My goal for this post is to give you some information about flu shots that you may not be aware of. Then it is up to you to do a little more research to make an informed decision about what is right for you in your individual case.

Did you know that you can still get the flu even if you have a flu shot?

There is a different flu shot every year. The strains are usually chosen in the spring for flu season that starts anywhere from October to January. This means that there is a certain amount of guess work to get the correct strain.


Have you ever read the insert that comes with the flu shot?


Your doctor should have it available for you upon your request.


Common Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Sore Throat
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Muscle Aches

Rare but Serious Side Effects

  • Guillain Barre-the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system causing weakness and tingling in hands and feet.
  • Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

Ingredience

  • Thimerosal (mercury additive)-Mercury is linked to an increased risk of autism in children, autoimmune, brain injury and neurotoxin.
  • Aluminum-Increased risk of Alzheimers disease and seizures
  • Formaldehyde-Known cancer causing agent
  • Antifreeze-Cardiovascular dysfunction and kidney failure
  • Phenol
  • Chick Embryos

Alternatives to getting the Flu Shot

  • Exercise
  • Full nights sleep
  • Eat balanced diet
  • Manage Stress check out post-Stress Kills

Do you have any personal experiences when it comes to preventing the flu in a natural way or experiences with getting a flu shot? Please share your experiences in the comments section.

Links for vaccine information sheets:

Inactivated Influenza http://tinyurl.com/54tx7a
Live Intranasal Influenza http://tinyurl.com/69qxmo

Sources:

http://tinyurl.com/62znv5

http://tinyurl.com/62c2p8

2 comments:

  1. A lot of these reasons are the ones I don't get anyone in my family the flu shot. I try to make sure we eat well and stay as healthy as possible and are able to boost our immune system to ward off possible harms.

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  2. Eating a balanced diet is important, but I also try to eat real food - Fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. I stay away from processed foods, mostly anything boxed, canned or frozen prepared foods. And no matter how well I think I'm eating, I take natural vitamins and supplements every day.

    ~Marilyn

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