H1N1 Side Effects - Side Effects of the Swine Flu Vaccine

The Side Effects of H1N1 Vaccine Shots, Containing Inactivated or Killed Viruses, Are Expected to Be the Same with Those of Other Flu Shots Given Regularly

The H1N1 vaccine, also known as the swine flu vaccine could be administered two ways: via a shot in the arm or by a nasal spray. The nasal spray, wherein the viruses are weakened, have lesser adverse reactions but rare transmission of the virus to close contacts was noted. Side effects include a runny nose, wheezing, headaches, muscle pains and fever.

The side effects of H1N1 vaccine shots, containing inactivated or killed viruses, are expected to be the same with those of other flu shots given regularly. These are mostly associated with local reactions at the injection site such as redness, bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain. These are mild to moderate reactions and usually resolved within three days. Fainting spells and paleness have occurred in young people but these were attributed to fear of taking the swine flu vaccine shots.

Some systemic H1N1 vaccine side effects, both shot and nasal spray, include low grade fever, muscle pains, body malaise, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting. Severe allergic reactions occur but incidence is rare. Those with egg allergies are advised to tell their caregivers about it before taking the shot. They may not be given the vaccine at all or will be evaluated further. Signs of allergy are rashes, swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing and wheezing. When these swine flu vaccine side effects are observed in someone who have been recently given a shot, it is imperative to seek medical care immediately.

Serious side effects of H1N1 vaccine are high grade fever, personality changes, seizure, disability and death. There are rising concerns for the association of Guillain Barre syndrome or GBS to related to H1N1 vaccine side effects. This has been recorded in the mass vaccination program that was done in 1976. GBS is a peripheral nervous system disorder that could lead to paralysis and even death. Whether they are truly related side-effects of the H1N1 vaccine. or were actually caused by underlying medical conditions remains to be seen as these incidents relating to swine flu vaccine side effects are still under investigation.