Flu is a temporary and seasonal lung infection caused by the influenza virus. It is infectious and can propagate easily from one person to the other. Its effect can range from mild to severe. The mild flu might last for a week and may not require any medical attention. But severe flu effects can result in immediate medical attention, hospitalization, or even death.

The most successful way to avoid the flu is by getting immunized every year. Vaccine shots reduce the possibility of catching the flu to a great extent. But if your kids are not fond of needles, then Preschool teachers suggest trying the nasal flu spray.

What is Nasal Flu Spray?

Nasal Flu Spray Vaccine or ‘Live Attenuated Influenza vaccine’ (LAIV) is a kind of spray vaccine that a doctor would spray in your little one’s nose to protect him against the flu. The spray vaccine is made from weakened flu viruses that help the body to produce flu-fighting antibodies. These antibodies help to protect your kids from the flu virus.

Who Should Get Vaccinated for Flu?

Although everyone should take the flu vaccine either in the form of flu shots or in the form of nasal sprays, there are certain restrictions with regards to administering the vaccination process to people. The following people should be vaccinated:

• Individuals aged between 2 and 50
• Every healthy individual should take the vaccine except the pregnant women
• Small children
• People with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or anyone suffering from cardiovascular or neurologic diseases.
• Women who may get pregnant during the flu season
• People working in the health department
• People who are suffering from obesity

Who Should Be Administered the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

Although the nasal spray flu vaccine should be given to all, according to the paediatricians of Daycare Rolling Hills Estates CA certain people should not be given this vaccine.

• Kids aged less than 2 years
• Adults aged 50 and above
• Pregnant women
• People who have shown allergic reactions to the flu vaccine before
• People having weakened immune system or taking aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines

Effectiveness of the Flu Spray:

The vaccine’s effectiveness varies from year to year as it depends on several factors like the match between the strains of the virus used in the production of the vaccine and the strain of the actual disease-causing virus. This vaccine’s usefulness also depends on the age and the health status of the recipients.

Side Effects of nasal Flu Spray:

Although there may not be any major side effects of this nasal flu spray, Daycares’ teachers have noticed these symptoms in children after getting their spray vaccination.

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Low fever
• Muscle aches

There is no need to worry as in most cases these symptoms are mild and subside soon enough on their own. In case, you observe any severe symptoms in your child after getting the nasal flu spray, please contact your doctor without wasting time.