Flu Shot or Nasal Spray -- Which to Choose?
We can't deny that viral season is upon us. My office and emergency room is filled with children and parents with runny noses, coughs, fevers and fatigue. Many worry it's the dreaded enterovirus-68, with fear over respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. Though I am sure that many of my patients do in fact have this infection, thankfully very few are becoming ill enough to require hospital-based care.
My office and emergency room is filled with children and parents with runny noses, coughs, fevers and fatigue.
This high viral season reminds us that we should consider getting flu vaccines. Influenza has maintained a low profile so far this Fall, though no doubt it will rear it's head in the coming month or two, as it does each year. Have you forgotten H1N1 from last year?
Have you forgotten H1N1 from last year?
In North America we now have two excellent flu vaccine options, the classic flu shot, and the lesser-known flu nasal spray. Both offer similar levels of protection, but some people are better suited for one or the other option.
Who should be vaccinated against the flu?
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that everyone six months and older get immunized against the flu, unless there is a medical reason not to. Why risk getting sick if you don't have to?
Those most encouraged to get the vaccine include:
•Children age six months and up
•Adults 50 years and older
•Children on Aspirin therapy, who are at higher risk of Reye's syndrome (that can lead to liver and brain swelling) if they catch the flu
•People with lung, heart, liver and blood diseases, and those with diabetes
•Kids and adults with weakened immune systems
•People who work with those at risk (health care workers, caretakers of patients with the above conditions, teachers)
•Caregivers to young children
Here are some details to help you decide which you want to use:
The vaccine is given by injection into the upper arm. It is made from dead influenza virus and cannot infect you with the flu.
Most side effects are mild and short lasting. Soreness of the arm is most typical. Mild fever and achiness is also possible.
Who can get the flu shot?
•Children and adults six months and older
Who shouldn't get the flu shot?
•Babies less than six months of age
•People who have had the illness Guillain-Barre Syndrome in the previous 6 months
•People who have had life threatening anaphylaxis to the flu shot in the past
•Egg allergy is no longer a contraindication to flu vaccine. The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology say the vaccine has such a low amount of egg protein that it's unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. If you have a severe egg allergy, please discuss with your doctor.
•Most patients can get the flu shot
•It is considered safe and effective at preventing the flu
•Let's face it, it's a shot, which many kids and adults are not a fan of.
This vaccine is sprayed into the nose. The vaccine is 'live' though weakened and cannot cause the flu. Flu like symptoms may occur however.
•Side effects from the nasal flu vaccine can be more severe that those from the shot.
•Runny nose, wheezing, fever, vomiting, headache, sore throat and cough are common side effects.
Who can get the nasal flu vaccine?
•Most people between 2-49 who are healthy and not pregnant
Who cannot get the nasal vaccine?
•Children less than two years of age
•Adults older than 50 years
•Anyone taking ongoing ASA therapy
•Children with heart disease, severe asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome or with weakened immune systems.
•Anaphylaxis to eggs or previous flu vaccine
•The nasal spray may be more palatable to some people compared to the shot
•It may be more effective at preventing the flu in kids 2-8 years of age
•There are more limitations on who can safely get this vaccine
Talk to your doctor or health care practioner about which option is best for you! For more on colds and viruses going around, check this out.
Do I Have The Flu?
Temperature(01 of22)
Open Image ModalFeeling feverish or having a fever of 100°F or higher can be an indicator for the flu or H1N1 virus, though not everyone with the flu will get a fever. Fevers are unlikely with a common cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Body Aches(02 of22)
Open Image ModalFeeling achy all over or getting a headache is another symptom of the flu or H1N1, and not generally associated with getting a cold. This tends to show as more general aches, as opposed to those confined to one area. (credit:Shutterstock)
Nausea, Vomiting Or Diarrhea(03 of22)
Open Image ModalNausea is the most symptom of the flu, and less likely to occur with a cold. However, if you're vomiting continuously, this can indicate a more severe strain of the flu, and you should seek medical help. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sore Throat(04 of22)
Open Image ModalA sore throat is usually the first indicator of the beginning of illness, whether it's a cold, the flu or worse. (credit:Shutterstock)
Cough(05 of22)
Open Image ModalCoughing occurs when one has a cold or the flu, though if it worsens, that can indicate a more severe strain, like H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Fatigue(06 of22)
Open Image ModalAn intense feeling of exhaustion, like not being able to get out of bed, is a sign that you have the flu or H1N1. This does not usually occur with a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Chills(07 of22)
Open Image ModalChills can occur as a result of many kinds of bacterial and viral illnesses, including colds, the flu and H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)
Runny Nose(08 of22)
Open Image ModalThough a runny nose is most closely associated with a cold, it can also be part of having the flu or H1N1. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand to keep germs from spreading. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dizziness(09 of22)
Open Image ModalDizziness is not a normal symptom for a cold or flu, and should be treated with seriousness. (credit:Shutterstock)
Dehydration(10 of22)
Open Image ModalDehydration is a serious risk when you're ill, either because you feel too sick to drink or eat, or you've been vomiting and/or having diarrhea. Being dehydrated can indicate H1N1, and you should seek medical attention. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pain In Stomach Or Chest(11 of22)
Open Image ModalFeeling pains in your stomach or chest while or immediately after you have the flu can indicate a serious complication, like pneumonia. Seek medical help immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Blue, Purple Or Grey Lips(12 of22)
Open Image ModalDiscoloured lips can indicate a lung infection, which poses a serious health risk. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)
Make Yourself A DIY Germ Barrier(13 of22)
Open Image ModalSanitize(14 of22)
Open Image ModalKeep an all-natural hand sanitizer that promises to kill 99.9 per cent of germs in your pocket or purse at all times. (credit:Shutterstock)
Protect The Kids(15 of22)
Open Image ModalKids are primary germ carriers and will inevitably fall ill this season. To prevent yourself from getting sick, make sure your children are also protected either with a flu shot or medication. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Fresh With Garlic(16 of22)
Open Image ModalBacteria love warm, humid environments. If what you've got now is a bacterial infection, garlic is a powerful, all-natural antibiotic solution. Of course we're not telling you to eat a raw clove straight — instead try adding garlic to soups, salads or your favourite pasta. (credit:Shutterstock)
Reach For Probiotics(17 of22)
Open Image ModalGet Some Zzzs(18 of22)
Open Image ModalLack of sleep is proven to contribute to an unhealthy immune system. To ensure you have a congestion-free sleep, whether you're sick or not, use a nasal strip to help open your airways. (credit:Shutterstock)
Sneeze In The Sleeve(19 of22)
Open Image ModalMuch like hand washing, this is one of the simplest ways to help prevent the spread of germs. (credit:Shutterstock)
Shower Your Nose(20 of22)
Open Image ModalIrrigate your nasal cavity with a neti-pot. It will flush out the viruses and bacteria reducing chances of impending infections. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Forget The D(21 of22)
Open Image ModalWhen it comes to the flu, it’s not all about Vitamin C, Vitamin D is just as important. Since we may not get as many hours of sunshine as we do in the summertime, taking vitamin D supplements during the winter can help boost immunity and protect our bodies from catching a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)
Flower Power(22 of22)
Open Image ModalResearch suggests the use of a properly formulated Echinacea means fewer colds, reduced duration of cold symptoms, and less reliance on synthetic pain relievers. (credit:Shutterstock)