Facebook flu fact #1: Flu vaccines contain mercury that suppresses the immune system.

Facebook flu fact #2: Mercury makes the flu vaccine very dangerous for children.

Facebook flu fact #3: The vaccine actually causes the flu.

A word from the wise: Stop paying attention to crazy Facebook articles!

The Royal Gazette spoke with Chief Medical Officer Cheryl Peek Ball to clear up some of the misinformation being spread.

Q: Is it true that the flu vaccine only protects you against last year’s flu and doesn’t protect you against new mutations?

A: Flu viruses are constantly changing so it is not unusual for new flu viruses to appear unpredictably each year. Flu vaccines are designed based on the best available evidence from the previous year, to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will be the most common during the upcoming season.

Q: I have read that the flu vaccine contains mercury which suppresses the immune system, and therefore makes you more likely to become ill. Is that true?

A: Thimerosal, a mercury-containing antibacterial compound, is used in multi-dose vial preparations of inactivated influenza vaccine to reduce the likelihood of bacterial growth. Evidence from ongoing research studies shows no increased risks from exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccines. However, the recommendation is that efforts be continued to eliminate or reduce the thimerosal content in vaccines as part of a strategy to reduce mercury exposures from all sources. Certain types of influenza vaccines are thimerosal-free including live-attenuated influenza vaccine, recombinant influenza vaccine, and most single-dose vial or syringe preparations of inactivated influenza vaccines.

Q: Is there anyone who should not get the flu vaccine?

A: Children under six months of age should not receive the vaccine. People who have severe, life-threatening allergies or have a severe allergy to gelatin, antibiotics, or eggs should skip it. People who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome or convulsions within the last year should not have it.

Q: What should someone do if they have an allergy to eggs? Is there some alternative formula?

A: People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs may get the recombinant form of influenza vaccine if they are between 18 and 49 years old, though this is unavailable in Bermuda this season. They could also get the regular flu shot given by a medical doctor with experience in management of severe allergic conditions. People who have had a mild reaction to egg, one that only involved hives, may get a flu shot with additional safety measures. Make sure your doctor or healthcare professional knows about any allergic reactions. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg.

Q: If I don’t feel well, should I get the vaccination?

A: It is usually okay to get the flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but you might be advised to wait until you feel better.

Q: Can a flu shot give you the flu?

A: The Department of Health in Bermuda uses ‘inactivated’ vaccines which do not contain any live influenza virus and therefore cannot cause flu infection.

Q: Some people are really terrified of needles. Is there some alternative, such as a spray?

A: There is a preparation of the flu vaccine which contains live but weakened flu viruses (called a live attenuated influenza vaccine) that is delivered by a nasal spray. However there are clear medical and age indications for the use of this vaccine. Bermuda provides influenza by injection only at this time.

Q: Isn’t it better to just let yourself get the flu and build up your immune system?

A: No, an infection by a influenza virus can be debilitating and can cause serious complications. Even if this does not happen, you only develop immunity to the particular virus that caused the episode of the flu, and you could still be infected by other related influenza viruses.

*Ask your doctor about the flu vaccine, particularly if you are pregnant or have any kind of chronic disease such as HIV, asthma or renal disease.