Do flu shots kill people?

[JonnyStarks]

Well, I was in one of my lectures the other day and my prof told us all that flu shots kill people, and in fact he knew someone who had died because of one.
He didn't give us many details about the person, and nobody really questioned him on it, as it seemed to upset him.
I'm a little skeptical, however, as I think that if you're otherwise healthy there's no real way a flu shot could do so much harm as to kill you.
And don't they ask you if you're feeling ok before they give it to you? I dunno, just thought you guys might have some thoughts.

 

[KLin]

a gun shot can certainly kill you. Don't know about a flu shot.

 

[CrackRabbit]

If you had an alergic reaction to the shot or had an extremely weak immune system yes a flu shot could kill you.

 

[Quasmo]

wrong forum... try off topic.

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
wrong forum... try off topic.

This is Off Topic.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
wrong forum... try off topic.

 

[eelw]

This prof, what does he teach? I hope not science.

 

[Sahakiel]

Originally posted by: eelw
This prof, what does he teach? I hope not science.

If I remember correctly, a flu shot is basically dead flu virus remnants that trigger a mild immunological response. The point is to teach the body to manufacture the correct anti-bodies. I'm guessing some systems may react quite violently to the wrong strain similar to an allergic reaction. It's similar to why doctors always ask whether you're allergic to penicillin, aspirin, and a whole list of other medicines.

 

[JonnyStarks]

Originally posted by: eelw
This prof, what does he teach? I hope not science.

It's called Society Technology and Values. It's an interdisciplinary course, but I think he's an engineer.

Oh and incidently, if anybody going to the University of Waterloo is considering taking that course... don't.

 

[Martin]

well, the flu shot is just a weakened version of the virus scientists think will be the most widespread this year, so it could kill you, if you have some exceptionally weak immune system. Then again, if your immune system is that weak, a cold could probably kill you as well.

 

[screw3d]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
wrong forum... try off topic.

must have just taken a flu shot

 

[LordMorpheus]

I died from a flu shot once.

 

[dman]

CDC site on Flu Shots

Updated Dec 10, 2003
What are the risks from getting a flu shot?
The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The risk of a flu shot causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Almost all people who get influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Updated Dec 10, 2003
What are the side effects that could occur?

Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
Fever (low grade)
Aches
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last one to two days.

Updated Dec 10, 2003
Can severe problems occur?

Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. These reactions are more likely to occur among persons with a severe allergy to eggs, because the viruses used in the influenza vaccine are grown in hens' eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to eggs or to a flu shot in the past should not get a flu shot before seeing a physician.
Guillain-Barré syndrome: Normally, about one person per 100,000 people per year will develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an illness characterized by fever, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. In 1976, vaccination with the swine flu vaccine was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.
More facts about potential side effects of the influenza vaccine can be found in "Prevention and Control of Influenza, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)."

Updated Dec 10, 2003
What should I do if I have had a serious reaction to influenza vaccine?

Call a doctor, or get to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when you got the flu shot.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)* form, or call VAERS at 1-800-822-7967.

 

[datalink7]

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: Quasmo
wrong forum... try off topic.

must have just taken a flu shot

pwn3d!

 

[Shawn]

it's possible, but unlikely.

 

[Bryophyte]

Yes, if you were severely allergic to eggs, you could die from a flu shot. But most people who are deathly allergic to common foods carry an Epipen with them at all times, and doctors/nurses always ask you if you have any egg allergies before you get the shot.

 

[Twista]

Originally posted by: datalink7

Originally posted by: screw3d

Originally posted by: Quasmo
wrong forum... try off topic.

must have just taken a flu shot

pwn3d!

i dont get.

 

[DrPizza]

Yep. 1 in a million dies from a flu shot.

Of course, a far higher number than that die from the flu.

Choose.

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Supercharged
it's possible, but unlikely.

 

[aplefka]

I remember going over this in Bio last year. It's true though, you can die from it.

 

[JonnyStarks]

Hmm... who'da thunk that he knew what he was talking about... go figure

 

[The Stigenator]

in theory yes.. because the shot has dead viruses, that your body uses to make an effective response to the real live one.. so in theory you can have a reaction and cause death.