Every year, when the flu season comes, we get a little scared, don't we? Especially if there is a small child at home, that fear is even greater. So we all get the flu shot to protect ourselves from the flu. But for some people, especially young children, the sight of a needle can make their bodies crawl. Is your child also afraid of needles? Then this is good news for you. Have you heard of a flu vaccine that is sprayed into the nose without needles ? Today, let's talk about this wonderful vaccine.
What is the difference between a needle injection and a nasal spray?
It's very simple. The flu vaccine we usually get is made with killed flu viruses . That means the virus can't make us sick. But when the killed virus gets into our bodies, our immune system recognizes it and makes soldiers, called antibodies , to fight it. So if the real flu virus comes along, our bodies are ready for it.
But this nasal spray is made from weakened, live flu viruses . Don't be afraid of the word "live." The virus is so weakened that you can't really get the flu with it. When you spray this into your nose, the weakened virus starts to infect a little bit of your nose. That gives your immune system a real workout. It's like a training exercise before a war. So if a real, serious flu virus tries to enter your body through your nose, your immune system is ready to fight it off.
Simply put, the vaccine injected into the arm creates a barrier inside the body before the disease develops. The nasal spray creates a barrier right where the virus enters the body, that is, in the nose.
How do I get this vaccine?
This is very easy. Your doctor will spray this liquid into both of your nostrils with a small syringe without a needle. There is no pain. You may feel a slight tickling sensation.
But the most important thing to remember is that it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to fully take effect. So it's best to get it before the flu season starts, usually from October through the spring.
Is this vaccine suitable for everyone? Who can't get it?
No. This is not suitable for everyone. It is only recommended for healthy, non-pregnant people between the ages of 2 and 49. They should also not be allergic to the flu vaccine or its ingredients, and they should not have a weakened immune system.
It is important to talk to your doctor to find out exactly what this means. People in the following table should not receive this nasal spray.
| Who should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine? | |
|---|---|
| Team of people | Description |
| Age | Children under 2 years of age and adults 50 years of age or older. |
| Pregnant mothers | This is not suitable for pregnant women. |
| People with weak immunity | Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, or certain medications. |
| People with asthma or hay fever | Children under 5 years of age with wheezing or asthma. |
| Children taking aspirin | Children and young people taking aspirin or similar medications. |
| People with chronic diseases | People with chronic heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. |
| Special neurological diseases | People who have had a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving a previous flu vaccine. |
| Allergies | People who have a severe allergy to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients. |
Is there a difference in the way children are vaccinated?
Yes. There is a slight difference in the way this is given to young children.
If a child between the ages of 2 and 9 is getting the flu vaccine for the first time in their life , they need two doses. The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose. The first dose alone is not enough to protect them. But after that, just one dose every year is enough.
Does this cause side effects?
Yes, like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects . But these are usually not serious and will subside within a day or two. Most importantly, this spray will never give you a fever.
| to whom? | Possible minor side effects |
|---|---|
| For children (Kids) | Cold-like symptoms include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, body aches, and fever. |
| For adults | Runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. (Fever is usually less common in adults). |
Do I need to get this vaccine every year?
Yes, absolutely. That's because flu viruses are very tricky. They mutate every year. So the vaccine that worked last year may not work against the new virus this year. That's why the World Health Organization introduces a new vaccine every year that is suitable for that year. So we also need to get a new vaccine every year to protect ourselves.
Take-Home Message
- The nasal flu shot is a good option for people who are afraid of needles, especially children, to protect themselves from the flu.
- This is only suitable for healthy, non-pregnant people between the ages of 2 and 49.
- This is not suitable for those with weak immune systems, those with chronic diseases such as asthma, pregnant mothers, and some others.
- Be sure to consult your doctor to ensure that this vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.
- Because the flu virus changes every year, it is important to get the flu vaccine every year for complete protection.
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