Seasonal flu vaccine and nasal spray

For most of us, getting the flu means a few days of not feeling well. Headaches, body aches, high fever, chills, fatigue and exhaustion are all part of the disease as it progresses. But then most people recover on their own.

But some people, mostly young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses like asthma, are at higher risk for complications from seasonal flu.

Influenza is caused by highly contagious influenza viruses. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from the seasonal flu, and the number one way to prevent it is to get vaccinated every year.

Can the seasonal flu vaccine cause the flu?

There are actually two types of vaccines, one is given as an injection and the other is given as a nasal spray. The injection contains dead influenza viruses - up to four different strains. The nasal spray is made from live viruses that have been weakened. None of the vaccines cause the flu. Influenza virus strains in vaccines are selected each year based on scientists' predictions of what the circulating viruses will be like during the flu season. Both types of vaccines cause the body's immune system to produce antibodies that protect against the flu virus if it enters your body.

The nasal spray can be given to healthy non-pregnant people aged 2 to 49 years. It should not be given to people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. This may include a disease that affects the immune system and people who are being treated with drugs or treatments that suppress the immune system. If you are wondering if you or your child can use the nasal spray vaccine, talk to your doctor.

The flu shot can be given to anyone aged 6 months and older. Intradermal injections are also available. These injections, approved for people aged 18 to 64, use smaller needles and only penetrate the top layer of the skin, not deeper into the muscles.

For people aged 65 and over, a high-dose version of the flu vaccine called Fluzone is recommended if available. It may be more effective in protecting older people because their immune systems are more fragile.

How effective is the seasonal flu vaccine?

The seasonal flu vaccine is about 80% effective in preventing the flu. It takes about two weeks for the body to protect itself after a seasonal flu shot.

The viruses used in the vaccine may not be the only strains that cause the flu; you may be infected with a virus to which you are not immune. People who get the flu after getting the flu shot usually get the flu in a milder, shorter form.

Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all children over 6 months of age.

It is also recommended for adults who are considered at higher risk for complications. Including:

People with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, and a weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS or as a result of therapy.
Pregnant women
Residents of nursing homes and other facilities where people have chronic medical conditions
Health care workers
People ages 50 years and older. There are now high-dose vaccines made specifically for older people and their immune systems.
Caregivers and household contacts of anyone in a high-risk group

The vaccine is also recommended for anyone who wants to protect against this year's flu.

If a child aged 6 months to 8 years is vaccinated against influenza for the first time (or was vaccinated for the first time during the previous flu season but received only one dose), they should receive two doses at least 4 weeks apart.

Are there people who should not get the flu vaccine?

People who should not get the flu shot include:

Infants up to 6 months
Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a flu shot or nasal spray
A person with Guillain-Barré syndrome or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
People with moderate to severe illness with fever; they should be vaccinated after recovery.

People with egg allergies have long been discouraged from getting the flu shot. The vaccine contains such a small amount of egg protein that it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to eggs. If you have a severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis), talk to your doctor before getting a flu shot. The vaccine must be administered by a physician experienced in the treatment of allergic signs and symptoms and closely monitored for at least 30 minutes. In addition, flu vaccines are available that do not contain eggs.

When is the best time to get a seasonal flu vaccine?

The vaccine is usually available in early autumn. It can take up to several weeks for the body to develop immunity against the flu. So the best time to inject is as soon as the vaccine becomes available. But if you didn't have it before the start of the season, it might be a good idea to have it during the season to reduce your risk of getting sick.

Are there any side effects to the flu vaccine?

Some people experience pain or swelling at the site of the flu injection. And some have mild side effects such as headache, cough, body aches or fever. They usually go away in about one to two days.

The nasal spray sometimes causes mild symptoms, including: