-
Flu Vaccination Basics

Flu Vaccination Basics
The influenza vaccine protects against the three or four
strains of flu that are most likely to circulate during a particular year. It does
not protect against other strains of flu that may be present. In the U.S., flu
season generally runs from early October through late May. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), October is the best time to get a flu vaccine.
You can still benefit from getting one later in the flu season.
-
Why Get Vaccinated?

Why Get Vaccinated?
The CDC
says that in the U.S., over 200,000
people are admitted to the hospital with flu each year, and thousands die from
complications of flu. The CDC recommends flu
vaccinations for most people six months of age or older. People at the highest risk
of flu complications include the very young, senior citizens, and women who are
pregnant. The flu vaccine can be administered as a nasal spray (brand name
FluMist®) or as a shot.
-
About the Nasal Spray Vaccine
About the Nasal Spray Vaccine
The nasal spray vaccine is easily administered and offers an
alternative for people who don’t like needles. This vaccine contains live
viruses, but the viruses are weakened and have lost most of their
disease-causing properties. It is extremely rare for the nasal spray to cause
the flu. Most healthy people between the ages of two and 49 can safely take the
nasal spray vaccine. The FDA has only approved inactive vaccines for people over age 50.
-
Who Shouldn’t Use the Nasal Spray?
Who Shouldn’t Use the Nasal Spray?
Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any
vaccination. You shouldn’t take the nasal spray if you have a history of allergic
reactions to eggs or other components of the vaccine, or adverse reactions to vaccines
in general. The nasal spray is not recommended for children who take aspirin or
for pregnant women. People with asthma, HIV, chronic diseases, or a compromised
immune system should not take the nasal spray. Let your doctor know if you have
Guillain-Barré Syndrome or have had it in the past.
-
Can the Nasal Spray Spread the Flu Virus?
Can the Nasal Spray Spread the Flu Virus?
In very rare cases, people who use the nasal spray flu
vaccine can shed viruses and potentially pass them to unvaccinated people. No serious
illnesses have resulted from flu transmission due to the nasal spray, according
to the CDC. This
type of transmission is more likely to occur if you come in close contact with
a person who has a severely weakened immune system.
-
Side Effects of Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
Side Effects of Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine for children may
include runny nose, congestion, cough, and achiness. Children may also develop
a slight fever. Adults may get a runny nose, headache, sore throat, cough,
aches, and fatigue. There is always a small risk of an allergic reaction to
vaccines. The nasal spray flu vaccine contains no thimerosal or other
preservatives. Serious complications of flu vaccine are rare.
-
About the Flu Shot
About the Flu Shot
The flu shot is made with inactive flu virus and
administered by needle into the upper arm. It causes your body to make
antibodies to certain strains of the flu. It takes up to two weeks to be fully
effective. You can get sick during that time if you are exposed to a flu virus.
The flu shot is approved for use in most people over six months old, including many
patients with chronic health conditions. The flu shot can cause minor, flu-like
symptoms, but it cannot cause you to develop the flu or spread it to others.
-
Who Shouldn’t Get a Flu Shot?
Who Shouldn’t Get a Flu Shot?
The flu shot is safe for most people, even those with
chronic diseases. However, if you have a chronic condition, it is wise to check
with your doctor beforehand. You shouldn’t get the shot if you have a history
of allergic reactions to flu vaccinations or eggs, or if you are running a
fever. If you have this kind of history, or have ever had Guillain-Barré
Syndrome, consult with your doctor before getting a flu shot.
-
Pros and Cons: Nasal Spray vs. Shot
Pros and Cons: Nasal Spray vs. Shot
Flu Nasal Spray: Easier
administration, especially if you don’t like needles. Contains weakened live
virus. Approved for healthy, non-pregnant people ages two to 49. Not
recommended for people with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, or for
children on aspirin therapy.
Flu Shot: One
shot in the upper arm does it. Contains inactive virus. Approved for most
people over six months old. Acceptable for pregnant women and most people with
chronic diseases.
Loading next slideshow
Read This Next
Back to Start
Natural Remedies for Sore Throats »
7 Natural Remedies for Sore Throats »
Flu Shots: Most Healthline Readers Get Them »
References:
- Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding
influenza. (2013, September 7). Mayo
Clinic. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-shots/ID00017
- Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV] (The
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine). (2013, September 10). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 8,
2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm
- Questions and Answers – FluMist Quadrivalent
(Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal). (2012, March 1). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm294078.htm
- Seasonal Influenza: Questions & Answers.
(2013, September 20). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 24, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
- Should I Get a Flu Shot? (2013, August 12). American Cancer Society. Retrieved
October 8, 2013, from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/infectionsinpeoplewithcancer/seasonal-and-h1n1-flu-vaccine-information
- Vaccination & Vaccine Safety. (n.d.). Flu.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/vaccination
- Vaccinations. (n.d.). National MS Society. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/vaccinations/index.aspx

Can You Have the Flu Without a Fever?
The flu is not a serious health problem for most people, but if you are elderly, very young, pregnant, or have a compromised immune system the virus can be deadly if not treated.
Learn about the symptoms. »

5 Best Remedies for the Stomach Flu
While there is no cure for the stomach flu, the remedies on these next few slides may help provide relief from this condition’s most difficult symptoms.
Find out what works. »
More Cold & Flu Slideshows
- Common Cold Treatments That Can Actually Make You Sick!
- Weirdest Cold Treatments from Around the World
- The Secrets to Never Getting Sick
- Flu Shot: Learn the Side Effects
- Importance of Hand Hygiene
- Superfoods with Healing Powers
- Oh Say Can You “C:” Your Guide to the Vitamin