Flu Mist

If you don't like shots, then a flu mist is available to help vaccinate you and your children this season. Instead of introducing the vaccine via the bloodstream, the flu mist is sprayed into the nostrils. From there, the mist helps the body create antibodies that will protect against the flu.

Who should receive the flu mist? According to the FluMist Web site:

FluMist must not be given to: people with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; people with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations; and children and adolescents receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy.

Children under two and adults over 50 also cannot receive the flu mist, as well as those with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome as a result of a flu shot and pregnant women.

In past studies, the flu mist has been shown to be as effective as the flu shot (if not more); keep in mind, however, that flu strains vary year to year.

Thus, the flu mist is a good alternative to the flu shot if you are between the ages of 2 and 49 and are healthy. Talk to your doctor for more information.