FAQs on Flu Season 2008-2009

Hi Brenda,

Egg allergy is the most common reason flu shots are not given to certain patients in my office. But in many situations the egg reaction is mild or moderate (meaning not life threatening). After confirming the presence of egg allergy in a patient by skin testing, we skin test the patient to the actual flu shot. If the skin test to the flu shot is negative we proceed with the vaccination, often in fractionated doses (between 2 to 3 or more divided fractions of the flu vaccine) as a safety measure. This almost always works out fine.

If you have had a severe reaction to egg or a previous flu shot you should not get the flu vaccine. Severe reactions usually include breathing problems, throat symptoms or closure, blood pressure changes or severe swelling. There are other alternatives for managing flu virus infection which you should be aware of. Here is a link to a summary which addresses your concerns.

I recommend you seek consultation from a board certified allergist Brenda.

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD

Hi,

Thank you for your question. Alzheimer's disease has been researched for decades but remains poorly understood with regard to its cause. Aluminum was implicated at one point but experts admit they don't have all the answers to how and why people get Alzheimer's disease. Mercury exposure has been talked about but the scientific evidence for a connection between mercury (and thimerosal) is lacking.

Thimerosal is a preservative that was added to several vaccine formulations in order to prevent contamination from bacteria and fungi. Prior to adding such preservatives there were reports of fatal infections following injections of contaminated vaccines.

You should know that thimerosal is associated with ethyl mercury which is different from methyl mercury found in some fish that may be harmful. Methyl mercury may cause nerve damage and be especially toxic to young children and pregnant females at high amounts of exposure. Ethyl mercury has not been as extensively studied. For this reason many childhood vaccines are thimerosal free.

Flu vaccine contains a small amount of thimerosal compared to older vaccines and globulin preparations that were made decades ago. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has addressed several questions about thimerosal on this link. 

Finally, those who have concerns about their children (or their own exposure) being exposed to thimerosal may request thimerosal free flu vaccine which has been available since 2004 (Fluzone, preservative free).

Here is a link that has everything you ever wanted to know about thimerosal.

To Your Good Health,

J. Thompson, MD

I wish to thank you very much indeed for your detailed reply to my question.  I think I shall have the flu vaccine after all, and hope for the best!!

Sincerely

E.Y.

Hi,

I addressed thimerosal in the first comment above (made by Brenda). Here is a link from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that has a good review on frequently asked questions about thimerosal  (click here).

Formaldehyde is used in the preparation of many vaccines (not just the flu vaccine) currently available for adults and children. Formaldehyde kills the virus in order to prevent live virus from being injected (and therefore causing flu syndrome). This is an important step in vaccine processing. I am not aware of the amount of formaldehyde that remains in the flu vaccine.

We are exposed to formaldehyde in several different ways every day of our lives. Formaldehyde resins are used in many carpets, furniture, some wood floors, textiles (permanent press), paints and adhesives. Formaldehyde is emitted from burning cigarettes and other burned materials. It is also found in some cosmetics. Too much exposure is certainly a health hazard.

As far as I know, the formaldehyde content of the flu vaccine has not been implicated or reported as a significant health risk. This site contains more information about formaldehyde.

To Your Health,

J. Thompson, MD

Hi Paula47,

Lactose intolerance is not a valid reason for avoiding the flu vaccine. Although there is egg protein in the current preparation, milk products, particularly lactose has not been reported. Shellfish allergy is also not a factor. There is no shellfish protein in the flu vaccine. Having diabetes and other chronic medical disorders is why the flu vaccine is important for you to get, according to recommendations by the CDC.

I suggest you discuss this further with your doctor after reviewing the flu vaccine information on this site: (click here).

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD

Hi Anna,

People who should not get the flu shot include those allergic to egg, allergic to a previous flu shot or under 6 months of age.

Ask your allergist if you were tested to egg and whether the result was negative or positive. Discuss your concern with your allergist. If you eat egg without having any reaction you are most likely not allergic to egg and therefore not at increased risk of having a reaction to the flu vaccine. It is possible egg was not included when you were tested if you had no history of egg related reactions.

Final Words:

Talk to your allergist.

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD

Can you tell me where in the head is the Pitutary Gland and what is the correct size that it should be.  Also, what makes the pitutary gland grow?  What are some side effect that one needs to look for?  This will help me out alot if you can answer these few questions.  Anything to do with the Pitutary Gland will be much appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

Anna

Hi again Anna,

 You have taken our discussion to a new area with your last comments. The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain. There are different reasons why this gland may enlarge. The one of more serious concern would be a tumor. It gets too complicated to further discuss the ill effects or array of symptoms associated with pituitary gland enlargement. If this concerns your health you should talk to your physician. Otherwise, our expert, Dr. Bill Quick, MyDiabetesCentral.com, may be able to help you. He is an endocrinologist.

Regarding the location of the pituitary gland, here is a link to a good illustration (also provides some information):

http://www.innerbody.com/image/endo01.html

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD.

Thank you for getting back to me fast.  Yes, I'm really concerned about this issue and I'm in need to find an endocrinology here in Staten Island, but, know of no one.  Do you think he would be able of some help to me finding an Endocrinology.  Thanks for your help again.

Respectfully

Anna

Hi Michele,

I advise you to discuss this with your doctor. I think your doctor will recommend you get a flu shot unless you have egg allergy. You are at increased risk of injuring your remaining kidney if you have a severe flu syndrome and become very dehydrated or have other complications.

Good Luck!

J. Thompson, MD