This year’s flu season looks to be a doozy. It is off to an early start. Despite the current national shortage of flu vaccine, there is still a way to get vaccinated. Wyeth Vaccines has recently developed FluMist, the first nasal-mist flu vaccine in the U.S. It is indicated for healthy people 5 to 49 years of age. It contains three live flu virus strains, which have been weakened. After the weakened influenza viruses in FluMist enter the nose, the body develops an immune response that helps prevent the flu for the entire season. It will not protect against infections and illnesses caused by organisms other than influenza virus strains contained in the vaccine. The Center for Disease Control says the flu vaccine will still offer “some” immunity against the Fujian flu that is going around this year which is a variant of the Panama flu included in this year’s vaccine.
In studies of approximately 7,500 people between the ages of 5 and 49, side effects were generally mild and temporary. A runny nose was the most common. Others included various cold-like symptoms, such as headache, cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, tiredness or weakness, irritability and muscle aches.
FluMist should not be used, under any circumstances, by anyone allergic to eggs; by children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy; by people with immune system problems; and by people who have a history of Guillan-Barre syndrome. Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, including asthma or reactive airways disease, should not take FluMist. Due to the possible transmission of vaccine virus, FluMist recipients should avoid being in close contact (within the same household) with immunocompromised individuals for three weeks following vaccination.
FluMist is administered as a nasal mist. Approximately 0.25 mL is administered into each nostril while the recipient is in an upright position. Each dose contains flu strains recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service for the 2003-2004 flu season.
Due to an overstock of FluMist this year, Wyeth has offered numerous college health services, including USM, free FluMist. USM Health Services is offering the FluMist for a $5 administrative fee. Make an appointment and come on in!
Sources: www.webmd.com
www.FluMist.com