Nasal spray flu vaccine – is it really working or not?

STATES CHRONICLE – Things are getting complicated when it comes to the nasal spray flu vaccine. A few days ago, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended not to use the spray anymore. However, a large Canadian study said that children who used it were equally protected as those who were vaccinated by the needle.

So what choice is better for us? According to Dr. Mark Loeb, the author of the study, the U.S. authorities should have been looked at all of the data regarding this matter. However, he is not expecting that they are going to change their mind in the near future. The study lasted for three years and it involved giving vaccines and using nasal spray flu vaccines to 1 186 children. The researchers found out that 5,2 of those who used the nasal spray tested positive, which is less than the 5,3 percent for those who got the injection.

If you did not hear by now, the nasal spray we are talking about is called FluMist. It is covered for children by some provincial health insurance plans. We are hoping that there will be more studies made regarding this matter. If the nasal spray flu vaccine is really working, this could mean another way to stay away for the flu, especially for those who do not like needles.

Of course, the best way not to get sick is to take everyday preventive actions. First of all, avoid staying close to sick people, especially if you have a child. If you are the one who got the flu, try not to infect other people, stay home for at least one day to protect yourself. Moreover, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze and after that, do not use it again. These may seem as things we all know, but they can be really effective as we try not to get sick. Do not forget to wash your hands often with soap and clean surfaces and objects around you.

Even though you want to use nasal spray flu vaccine or the traditional one, you should pay attention because flu can be a real threat. It can lead to serious flu complications, especially for young children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. If you are taking care of infants, you should be vaccinated too. What do you think? Is the nasal spray flu vaccine really working? Will you use it?

Image source: Wikipedia