Thiomersal

Vaccines:How to vaccines affect humans negatively?

VaccinesSlide No.The thiomersal controversy 3The Polio vaccine10The cure to AIDS: a vaccine?24The Governments Role90Anti-Vaccination: Views of Parents109

ThiomersalThe thiomersal controversyBackground

Thiomersal or Thimerosal, is a mercury containing organic compund also known as a organomercurial.Thiomersal is added to vials of vaccines as a preservativeIts main purpose is to prevent contamination and growth of potentially harmful bacteriaPreservatives are required in vaccine vials in order to prevent infectious outbreaks (Food and Drug Administration) For example, an outbreak in 1928 killed 12 out of 28 children that were injected with a diphtheria vaccine that did not contain any preservative. (The Medical News)In addition to thiomersal, numerous other preservatives are used For example, phenoxyethanol, and formaldehydeIt is important to note that thiomersal itself is not mercury, but rather a mercury containing compound. (C9H9HgNaO2S)

The controversy

Mercury is a known neurotoxinHigh doses of mercury can cause neurological problems such as Headaches, vertigo, tinnitus, as well as psychological problems such as short term memory loss, inability to sleep, angry fits Opponents of vaccinations claim that because vaccines contain mercury, vaccination campaigns across the world has lead to an increase the number the cases of autism. Conservative figures indicate a rise in the number of cases of autism, from one in every 2,500 children to one in 166 childrenAs a result, many parents have become opposed to mass childhood vaccination campaigns, due to the fear of children developing autism

Although the causes of autism are still unclear, it is certain that autism has a strong genetic base. For example, Studies of twins suggest that heritability is 0.7 for autism and as high as 0.9 for Autistic spectrum Disorders, and siblings of those with autism are about 25 times more likely to be autistic than the general population. ("What is autism? ," 2010)1 = totally determined by heredity ; 9 = totally determined by environmentThe amount of mercury in a vaccine vial is the same as the amount of mercury in a can of tuna, approximately 0.5 parts per million (ppm)

Risks of vaccinesVaccines are only known to cause minor reactions such as a sore arm, redness or minor swelling at the injection site, or low-grade fever. However, there have been extremely rare cases of serious repercussions as a result of a vaccination injection. For example, anaphylaxis (immediate, severe allergic reaction leading to shock) has been noted at a rate one per 1 million persons receiving measles vaccine and vaccine-associated paralytic polio occur in approximately 1 in 2.5 million Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) doses administered.

There is owerwhelming scientific consensus which concludes that there is no evidence that the vaccine preservative Thimerosal leads to the development of autismIn 2004, the institute of medicine published a scientific journal acknowledging that the evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.The papers also established that the correlation between mercury toxicity and symptoms seen in autism, may be coincidental, and that the correlation between the two does not necessarily imply causation.

BibliographyWhat is autism? . (2010, 12 8). Retrieved from http://lazacode.com/nature-life/autism World Health Organization, Initials. (2005, November). Quality and safety of vaccines from development to delivery. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs295/en/World Health Organization, Initials. (2005, July 15). Global advisory committee on vaccine safety:thiomersal. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/topics/thiomersal/June_2005/en/index.htmlThe Medical News, Initials. (n.d.). Vaccine excipients. Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/Vaccine-Excipients.aspxSteven Novella, Initials. (2008, April 16). The increase in autism diagnoses: two hypotheses. Retrieved from http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=95Food and Drug Administration, FDA. (n.d.). Vaccines, blood & biologics:thimerosal in vaccines. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/UCM096228

PolioPolio is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It attacks the nervous system and in some cases causes paralysis. The virus usually spreads in human waste and most people are contaminated through food or water.

In rare cases, polio causes severe damage to the nervous system.The symptoms are similar to that of a common cold. A person may experience fever, tiredness, vomiting, and body aches; however most people do not have any symptoms. A common symptom is when the bones do not line up properly with the spine.

Polio killed many people around the world, especially in third world countries where human waste was not decomposed of properly, but was also widespread in the United States. Fortunately, after the creation of the polio virus vaccine, the virus was essentially dead in many countries. However, the vaccination is still given to infants and those in third world countries just in case.

The Polio Vaccines, IPV and OPVA vaccine was first created in 1955 by Dr. Jonas Salk. However this vaccine did not help the body fight against the virus. That is why, later in 1961, a second vaccine was created in by Dr. Albert Sabin. This vaccine was known as the OPV, as it was given orally and contained a strand of the old polio virus to fight against three different strands of polio.

Dr. Salks with the first vaccine.In 1988, the IPV was created, where the vaccine was injected and was later adopted as the only way to receive the vaccine in the United States and Canada.

The countries of the western hemisphere adapted the IPV because the few cases of polio that were occurring (usually about 8-10) were caused by the OPV and not the wild virus. The IPV eliminated the 1 in 2.4 chance of contracting polio from the oral vaccine. OPV was better for stopping the spread of polio, but because the wild polio is eliminated from the western hemisphere, it was not a problem.

However, in countries where the spread of the virus is very common, such as India, the vaccine is given orally. The IPV contains only the dead virus, preventing anyone from catching the virus from the vaccine.

The vaccine is given in Canada in three doses, spread out evenly to all infants. It is also commonly given to those who are visiting countries where polio is still common, to decrease the risk of infection. However, it is not safe for people to get the vaccination more than once, so after all the doses are received, they are not given again.

There are not many side effects to vaccination expect for the effects that come after any regular vaccinations, which can include redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, as well as fever, irritability, and tiredness.

In very rare cases, there can be very serious side effects that include high fever, seizures, sever skin rash, hives, or itching, swelling of eyes or face, unusual sleepiness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty swallowing.

The polio virus is now generally dead in most countries, but there are still many countries where it still spread. Unfortunately, in these countries, they have to use the OPV, which can cause polio in some people. This is a very negative effect on humans, but unfortunately, its the only way the virus can be fought.

Bibliography"GENERIC NAME: POLIOVIRUS VACCINE - INJECTION (POE-lee-oh)." Medicine Net. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. ."Polio ." KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. ."Polio Vaccine - symptoms, Definition, Description, General use, Precautions, Side effects." Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy Through Adolescence. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. .Salk, Dr. Jonas, and licensed in 1955.. "Polio Vaccine Questions and Answers." Vaccine Information for the Public and Health Professionals. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. ."Vaccines: Vac-Gen/Side Effects." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 5 Jan. 2011. .

AIDS

AIDS stands forAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeCaused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people.It is the 4th leading cause of death.

About 33 million people are suffering with AIDS.Approximately 7400 people are in newly infected with the HIV virus daily!

They die merciless deaths with disabled immune systems, susceptible to even treatable diseases.

AIDS robs the brain of its cognitive functions, leaving patients raving with dementia. It saps the body's protein, wasting muscles to the bone. (Klesius, n.d., p. 1)

Draped in nothing but skin, 20-year-olds look 70. Even then the release of death can lie weeks or months away. (Klesius, n.d., p. 1)AIDSThe future cure?Today, AIDS still has no cure Scientists are trying to create a preventative vaccine.

This vaccine will prevent others from getting AIDS but it does nothing for those who already have it.

but it does nothing for those who already have it.This preventative vaccine is still years away.

However, there are currently drugs known as protease inhibitors that help people with AIDS.

Protease Inhibitors lower the level of the virus, thus possibly elongating the disease holders life.

They may even reduce transmission rates of the virus, according to some experts; but protease inhibitors do not prevent AIDS.

Protease inhibitors cost $15 000 each and every year,

With 94% of people with AIDS in developing nations, this is a sum that is incredibly hard to collect for the needy.

The people who need it the most cannot afford it.

Companies that create protease inhibitors have huge profit margins.

It is unethical to charge such a huge sum from people who have so little, but medicine is expensive and cannot be given out for free.

Of course protease inhibitors arent perfect. They are accompanied by a list of side effects as well.

The side effects includes:nausea

bone lossThe side effects includes:

diabetesThe side effects includes:

liver damageThe side effects includes:

raised cholesterol levelsThe side effects includes:

depressionThe side effects includes:Will a preventative vaccination be any different?

Will it have side effects that are even more deadly?

Is an expensive vaccine full of cruel side effects the only option?

AIDSUnderstanding the trends and patterns:

Sub-Saharan Africa 67% of people inflected with HIV reside in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2008, of all AIDS-related deaths took place in this region.

Why is AIDS so widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa?

In this region, multiple sexual partners are quite common and so is widespread prostitution.

However, the pandemic is somewhat stabilizing in Sub-Saharan Africa.

And it is emerging in some new places.

AIDSUnderstanding the trends and patterns:

New placesAIDS is emerging in:Central Asia

AIDS is emerging in:China

AIDS is emerging in:Indonesia

because women in developing countries have little say in safe sex. They are often even abused for encouraging this idea.AIDS is emerging in:parts of Eastern Europe

because poverty has lead the youth to injecting themselves with drugs, a huge contributor to AIDS as you will soon see.AIDS is emerging in:Germany

AIDS is emerging in:England

AIDS is emerging in:Australia

AIDS is also rising among specific groups of people.

AIDSUnderstanding the trends and patterns:

DemographicsAIDS is emerging in:homosexual men

AIDS is rising in:prostitutes & customersbecause the HIV virus is present in fluids, including blood and sexual fluids. Sexual intercourse with multiple partners encourage the spreading of the virus.

AIDS is emerging in:drug usersbecause HIV is present in blood, the virus spreads when needles used for drugs are shared.