The flu virus is highly contagious and can affect anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of those in the U.S. each year, according Flu.gov. While most healthy people easily recover from the flu, others develop serious complications that, in some cases, leads to death. Flu-related deaths have declined by about 90 percent since the flu vaccine was introduced, according to Vaccination Liberation. However, some of the ingredients in these vaccines raise concerns for many. Although the exact contents contained in a flu vaccine depend on the manufacturer, all contain some common ingredients.
Influenza Virus
Both the inactivated vaccine, referred to commonly as the flu shot, and the nasal spray flu vaccine, known as the flu spray, contain some form of the influenza virus. The strains of the influenza virus contained in each year's vaccines depend on what scientists have anticipated is likely to be predominant during a particular flu season. The flu shot contains a dead weakened virus that does not cause people to contract the flu. Flu spray is made with a live, weakened flu virus that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also claim will not cause the flu. Antibodies from the weakened influenza virus begin to develop about two weeks after the vaccine is administered, providing you with protection against the virus.
Chicken Eggs
The dead influenza virus used in the flu shot is grown inside chicken eggs. This means that traces of eggs or chicken protein are contained in the vaccine. People with egg or chicken allergies are advised to avoid getting the flu shot, for risk of developing an allergic reaction from it.
Preservatives
According to the CDC, the flu spray does not contain preservatives, such as thimerosal. This is not the case with the flu shot. Because thimerosal is based on mercury, many critics have voiced concern about the toxicity of the flu shot. Websites, such as EDU UDYM, have published articles discussing a potential link between thimerosal and neurological disorders, such as autism or even Alzheimer's disease, although there is no conclusive evidence about this relationship. Thimerosal allergies, however, are a concern, and those with allergies to certain preservatives should opt for the flu spray.
