Forget the mist but GET your flu shot - News Courier

Public health officials believe parents will still want their children immunized against influenza this year even though the nasal spray won't be available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which favored the spray over the injection during the 2014-15 flu season, recommended the FluMist not be used this year.

“The reason the live attenuated influenza vaccine (flu nasal spray) was not recommend for use in any population (children or adults) this year is because during the last three flu seasons, studies by the CDC have shown it was not as effective as the shot,” said Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health. “Previously, the nasal spray had been very effective.”

Although some children favored the mist method because it did not involve a needle, Landers said that as a doctor she has also seen children who tried the mist one year, disliked it and requested a shot the next year instead.

Experts say flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and end as late as May, and those 6 months and older should be immunized.

“The overarching concern is protecting people,” Landers said. “It is important for parents to protect their children and themselves by taking flu shots. My advice as a physician is to immunize all eligible family members. The consequences of influenza are worse in certain age groups, both young and old. An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting individuals and the community against this serious disease.”

What is the risk?

Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people, according to the CDC.

During recent flu seasons, between 80 and 90 percent of flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.

During this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher rates. A person with the flu may have some or all of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and often extreme fatigue.

An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances of getting flu and spreading it to others. Vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza-associated hospitalizations for children and adults.

It is also associated with a lowered risk of hospitalizations for people with chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease. Vaccination also helps protect women during and after pregnancy.

Stop the spread

In addition to immunization, the public is reminded to follow basic infection-control measures to help prevent the spread of the flu, according to the Health Department.

These include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or cloth when coughing and sneezing, washing hands frequently, and staying at home when sick.

To get a shot

Contact your private physician or your local county health department for a flu clinic schedule. There is a drive-thru flu clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Sportsplex at 1403 U.S. 31 in Athens.

For more information, contact the ADPH Immunization Division at (334) 206-5023 or toll free at 800-469-4599.

Will mist be back?

Landers said there is a group of experts studying why the mist did not work so well.

“From what I have discerned, there was one discussion that when the four viruses that make up the vaccine (are combined) possibly one of the viruses causes the others not to work.”