Posts Tagged ‘Flu’

Denmark Finds Swine Flu Case Resistant to Tamiflu

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

The swine flu has been widely believed to eventually become resistant to Tamiflu, an antiviral flu drug administered orally. Many people rely on Tamiflu instead of the vaccine for the seasonal flu to avoid contact with thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative found in most types of flu vaccines. (Though the FDA and CDC say Tamiflu is not a replacement for any flu vaccine, but in the case of the swine flu, has been approved for Emergency Use Authorization.)

The swine flu vaccine, in many cases, will also contain thimerosal.

Now, scientists in Denmark have discovered the first strain of H1N1 that is resistant to Tamiflu. Officials there issued a statement, quoted by Reuters:

It does not constitute a risk to public health and does not cause changes to the recommendations for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

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WaPo: Swine Flu Vaccine Will Contain Mercury

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Yesterday, I mentioned that some of the swine flu vaccines will be available without thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative found in many vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine.

Now the Washington Post confirms that most of the swine flu vaccines that will be available in the fall, probably in October, will contain thimerosal.

Considering that children are among the first ones pushed to get the vax, this is worrisome.

Thimerosal is about half mercury. It is an antibacterial additive allowing caregivers to administer shots in multi doses. Really, the main benefit is that it’s more cost effective than single dose shots. But mercury is a known neurotoxin, one that pregnant women and children carefully steer clear from when choosing fish meals.

So why should we trust that thimerosal in vaccines is any safer?

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Swine Flu Vaccine in the News

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

A few weeks ago, I wrote on Non-Toxic Kids about the roll out of a swine flu vaccine for this fall. I realized then I needed to learn a great deal more about this virus and the vaccine. As a teacher, I will be in direct contact with hundreds of kids and could bring this virus into my home. But I am also a minimalist when it comes to medicating my children.

I’ve been concerned as to what chemicals are in vaccines, especially mercury containing thimerosal. I do know this ingredient has been phased out of the flu vaccines in my area of Vermont.

Apparently, this vaccine will be similar to other flu vaccines in content. I have not heard anything about thimerosal in these new vaccines, but I will be asking my doctor about it.

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