December 7, 2003
Other Illnesses, Research: Causes and Prevention
Question from Omaha, Nebraska:
This is in regard to flu shots. There is some evidence that certain vaccinations can cause problems in children (e.g., the MMR vaccination has been linked to autism). My daughter, age 11, has had type 1 diabetes for 2.5 years. She received the flu vaccination in the two years preceding the onset of her diabetes. As diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, and as a flu vaccination is related to the immune system, is there any research that would indicate that flu shots can trigger the onset of diabetes? Is there any research to show that a flu shot can cause other autoimmune reactions?
Answer:
Actually you are incorrect. There is NO literature to support any relation between any vaccine and diabetes. Also there is NO relation between measles and autism. Urban legends refuse to die, but people do because of them. This year’s flu is expected to be awful, maybe double the normal death rate. Diabetes is a risk. Please see that your child receives the vaccine, and you should also.
LD
