Have you had your flu shot?

[Flybye]

We had to pay for the adult "jabs" (Mine might have qualified as a "stab" ) but the Nasal FluMists for the kids were free. I am hoping for the same thing this year.

[KnottedYet]

Does anyone know if the Nasal FluMists have less chance of adverse reaction?

Knot-really-doesn't-want-to-get-flu-ever-again

[surgtech1956]

I've gotten the flu shot a few different times. I usually only get the flu every 10-15 years. I'm lucky, I don't get sick that often, I think because I work in a hospital and have built up my immune system over the years. I remember my first year of employment I had about 3-4 colds. Back to flu shots, last year I didn't get one, and I got the flu(over New Years) - but I was under alot of stress. I didn't get one this year, probably should - still under alot of stress.

[boy in a kilt]

Does anyone know if the Nasal FluMists have less chance of adverse reaction?

Knot-really-doesn't-want-to-get-flu-ever-again

I can only speak anecdotally. I haven't felt any reaction at all other than the taste of the medication running down the back of my throat.

[salsabike]

Does anyone know if the Nasal FluMists have less chance of adverse reaction?

Knot-really-doesn't-want-to-get-flu-ever-again

Knot, my best friend back east is in public health and I asked her your question. This is what she emailed in response:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

This is a good public website with info. on both kinds of flu vaccine. I think that the risks are about the same and are low for either type of vaccine. Given the fact that FluMist is a live attenuated vaccine might increase the risk slightly; I don't really know. FluMist is only licensed for people aged 2-49 who are considered healthy (without underlying medical conditions).

[KnottedYet]

Hmmmm, doesn't sound radically different from the injection. Wish I knew what it was in the vaccine that does the autoimmune cascade in my family.