A pain-free alternative to the flu shot
Reported November 06, 2007
Like it or not, flu season is here. The Centers for Disease Control just issued its first report for this flu season. Seven states are reporting cases. Nevada hasn’t reported any cases so far, but California has.
A new study may prompt your pediatrician to offer a different way to protect your child from the flu this year. It’s a change kids will probably like.
12 year old Trevor Nock is getting FluMist this year, instead of a shot. It’s given like a nasal spray. His Henderson pediatrician strongly believes the mist is better.
“It is wonderful vaccine because it gives you both nasal immunity and blood immunity,” says Dr. Ralph Conti. “It gives you IGA to coat the inside of the nose, as you first line of defense. And it gives you blood immunity as your second line defense. Where as a regular flu shot just gives you blood.”
Trevor isn’t a big fan of flu shots but he seems to like the mist. “I didn’t even feel anything.”
FluMist is currently recommended for kids 5 and older. In fact, a recent study shows it may be more effective than a shot in young children. Dr. Conti says next year children as young as 3 will be encouraged to get it. He took part in the study to check its effectiveness in younger children.
FluMist is stored frozen. Unlike the shot, it is a live vaccine. So does that mean kids can get the flu after receiving it? “No it does not, ” explains Dr. Conti. “That’s one of the common myths about the flu shot too. I got a flu shot and I got the flu. No you didn’t get a flu, you were probably getting a flu because you got your flu shot too late.”
Dr. Conti tells us it’s possible you may experience some cold-like symptoms with the mist, but they should go away within a couple of days. Dr. Conti recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally before December.