Swine flu shots found to cause mild symptoms of disease

Surge in infections in Rovaaniemi

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There are indications that the swine flu vaccines that will soon start being administered in Finland tend to cause more side-effects than the ordinary seasonal flu shots.
      “The vaccine acquired by Finland causes aches and swelling at the point of injection for many”, says Ilkka Julkunen, a research professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
      In addition, the vaccine can also cause a light fever.
     
The reason for the side effects is in the effective ingredient, which is stronger than in ordinary flu vaccines. It’s purpose is to boost the body’s resistance to flu viruses.
      “No serious harm has been described”, Julkunen emphasises. “About 20,000 doses of the vaccine acquired by Finland have been administered in tests.”
      The testing took place in order to get permission to sell the product, and the side effects were known when the licence was granted. Julkunen says that the shot is worth taking in spite of the possible side effects, which are milder than the actual disease.
     
In the north of Sweden, health care personnel began receiving swine flu vaccines this week. The Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) reported that most of those who got the shot experienced mild symptoms. Sweden is using the same vaccine, which is being delivered to Finland.
      Elisabet Eero, executive director of the health centre of Övertorneå on the Swedish side told YLE that 80 per cent of those vaccinated suffered symptoms typical of the swine flu, such as fever, headache, muscle pains, and a sore throat.
      The symptoms emerged about five hours from receiving the injection. With some people the symptoms were so severe that they stayed at home.
     
Dozens of people in Finnish Lapland have come down with swine flu in the past couple of weeks. Only a few of the cases are serious, and one patient remains in intensive care in Rovaniemi.
      “There are so many confirmed cases that we can now talk about an epidemic”, says Markku Broas, head physician of the unit of infectious diseases at the Lapland Central Hospital in Rovaniemi.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Swine flu vaccination programme to keep local authorities busy in coming months (21.9.2009)
  Helsinki plans to close swine flu clinic in November (19.10.2009)
  Swine flu vaccinations to start in late October (18.9.2009)
  Regular flu may delay spreading of swine flu (12.10.2009)

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