The flu, or influenza, is a virus that affects the mucous membranes of your respiratory system. This includes your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lunges. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of the flu can be mild to severe and can include fever, chills, headache, cough, muscular aches, muscular pain, fatigue, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. To prevent the spread of flu, it is recommended that those with weakened immune systems and healthcare workers are vaccinated. Many brands are available including Fluria, Fluarix, Flulaval, Fluvirin and Fluzone. As with all vaccines, you should be aware of their ingredients and their possible effects on your body.
Inactivated Influenza Virus
According to Drugs.com, the injectable influenza virus vaccine (Fluarix) contains a killed virus. This is effective in preventing the flu because the body forms antibodies against this dead virus. Antibodies are molecules that signal your body's immune system to attack foreign substances that include viruses. Therefore, if you are exposed to influenza, your immune system will be prepared to fight it. Serious side effects of this ingredient include severe weakness, unusual feeling in your arms and legs, high fever or unusual bleeding, according to Drugs.com. Less serious side effects include low fever, chills, pain at the injection site, headache, tired feeling or muscle pain. You should alert your doctor if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Egg Protein
The injectable influenza vaccine contains egg protein, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). If you are allergic to egg, you should not take the injectable form of the influenza vaccine. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 1.6 percent of children have egg allergy. Alert your doctor if you or your child are allergic to egg before receiving this vaccine.
Other Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients, or excipients, are substances added to a vaccine to help with ease of use or to support the main ingredient. They do not have an effect on the immuns system. According to the CDC, other inactive ingredient in the injectable influenza vaccine include formaldehyde or formalin, gentamicin, hydrocortisone, octoxynol-10, alpha-Tocopheryl hydrogen succinate, polysorbate 80, sodium deoxycholate, sodium phosphate and thimerosal. Consult your doctor if you are allergic to any of these inactive ingredients.
