Mercury and Aluminum Present in Flu Shots?

Many people, including some health care practitioners are concerned about mercury and aluminum present in flu shots. This is not a new concern for those who are against flu shots, but it is relevant as the flu season approaches.

The major concern about mercury and aluminum present in flu shots arises from concerns about Alzheimer's and autism. Even among those people who are not against flu shots, some are against mercury and aluminum present in flu shots. Recently, New York State passed a law banning the preservative thimerosal from flu shots and other vaccines meant for children and pregnant women. Thimerosal is mercury based and is known to cause allergic reactions in many people. On top of that, mercury is a known neurotoxin, meaning that it damages nerve cells, and has been linked to autism.

New York State is not against flu shots. In recent years, New York City and other areas of New York have had problems obtaining enough flu vaccine for high risk citizens. The ban came after several studies linked an increase in cases of autism (a condition which is first noted in childhood and is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction as well as language and learning impairments) to vaccines and flu shots containing thimerosal. Some health care professionals still maintain that the risk of complications from the flu are greater than the risks that may be associated with mercury and aluminum present in flu shots.

Some people are against flu shots, in general, because they or someone close to them had a reaction to the flu shot. Sometimes it is a mild reaction, such as a mild case of the flu. Sometimes it is a more serious condition that may be due to mercury and aluminum present in flu shots. Several people blame the onset of their Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on mercury and aluminum present in flu shots.

It is important to note that these cases are rare. While complications arising form the flu, particularly pneumonia, caused over 60,000 deaths in 2003 in the United States, there were only a few reported cases of complications arising from the flu shot and none of those were life threatening. People who are against flu shots in general focus on the rare, but severe reactions to the vaccine and on the mercury and aluminum present in flu shots. People who are not against flu shots focus on the number of deaths each year that are caused by the flu virus.

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Does Your Health Insurance Cover Flu Shots?

The flue season is picking up, and if years past have been any indication it is going to be a very tough time on the bodies of many. Do you get a flu shot? If not you may want to consider it to avoid paying the prices that come with getting the flu.

Lost Time

The first thing that you have to keep in mind when it comes to getting the flu is that it will keep you out of work for a few days. If you work for someone else this may not be as big of a concern, but if you work for yourself that means you will not be able to be productive or make money.

Even if you don't work for yourself, it's not only work that loses in this case. Your personal life takes a hit too as you will be too ill to do the things you enjoy.

More Medication

The flu causes you to pick up a lot of things from the pharmacy in an attempt to get through it. From cough syrups to sleep aids and anti-nausea medication, you may rack up a pretty big bill trying to deal with the symptoms of this ailment.

Trips to the Doctor

The flu can get pretty bad. If it does for you that can mean a trip to the doctor's office, or multiple trips. If you have health insurance, you may be able to appreciate that much of this is paid for by the health insurance company. But that does not usually include everything. Most health insurance companies have deductibles you have to pay before they kick in. This will be more money out of your pocket.

Body Impact

Have you ever really considered what the flu does to your body. It's a very violent illness internally, taxing every part of your body. While you will be able to recover after a while, it can have effects that leave you feeling worn down for weeks.

Get the Flu Shot

If you couldn't control the impact of the flu that would be one thing, but you can. Today there are flu shots that can be taken to keep you from getting this illness.

Check if your health insurance policy covers getting the flu shot. Many health insurance companies cover them because they realize they will pay much less for prevention than they would to treat the flu once you get it.

Even if they don't you may want to put out the money to get a flu shot. Even if it is your expense, prevention is much more affordable than paying for the treatment once you are sick.

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