Treating swine flu: Parents may want to heed Tylenol side effects

Atlanta, GAParents who are not convinced on the H1N1 vaccine may also want to be careful when considering other treatments for swine flu, such as using Tylenol products, which have been linked to acetaminophen toxicity.

Recently the Associated Press conducted a poll and found that one third of the parents who responded said they did not want their children to be exposed to the H1N1 vaccination.

Most parents reported being concerned with side effects of the vaccination, as well as saying swine flu could be treated like the "regular" flu.

One of the most frequently recommended medications for such conditions is Tylenol, though parents should use caution given the recent recall and long-standing side effects associated with the brand.

Recently, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall on Tylenol products that were developed for children because the bacteria B. cepacia was found in a portion of raw material used to make the medication. Parents who purchased Tylenol children's products between April and June of this year are urged by the company to discard them.

There have also been past reports of other Tylenol side effects such as linking the painkiller medication to acetaminophen toxicity, which can lead to liver disease.