"Flu Shots Tied to AIDS Test Results"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Flu Shots Tied to AIDS Test Results"

New York Times (12/19/91), P. B21
Altman, Lawrence K.

Abstract: Approximately 90 Americans who donated blood have tested false positive for HIV and two other viruses, according to federal health officials. Among 60 percent of the donors, an influenza shot was administered prior to donating blood. It is unknown how a flu shot would cause false positive reactions in the laboratory tests for HIV-1, hepatitis C, and HTLV-1. However, health officials did not hestitate to assure the public of the safety of the flu vaccine and the blood supply. Dr. James O. Mason, the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Servvices and the head of the Public Health Service said, "There is no possibility the vaccine could contain any of these three viruses. That has been thoroughly examined, and there is no way these are real antibodies to these viruses." Health authorities announced that they had just started their investigation of the cases from 20 blood banks across the country. After the 90 blood donors tested positive for the three viruses, experts conducted more advanced tests that could not prove any infection with the viruses. Related Stories: Washington Post (12/19) P. A31; USA Today (12/19) P.1D

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