Definition (2)
- Infectious diseases
- Mayo Clinic expert answers your questions on H1N1 flu (swine flu)
Prevention (4)
- Disaster planning: Things you can do to stay healthy
- Hand washing: Do's and don'ts
- Vaccines for adults
- see all in Prevention
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continued:
Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
What are the main differences between the two types of flu vaccine?
Both the flu shot and the nasal spray help protect you from influenza. But there are differences to consider before deciding between the two.
| Flu shot | Nasal spray |
|---|---|
| Administered through a needle — you'll need an injection | Administered through a spray — you won't need an injection |
| Contains killed viruses — you can't pass the flu along to anyone else | Contains weakened live viruses that won't give you the flu but that can, in rare cases, be transmitted to others |
| Approved for use in people 6 months of age and older | Approved for healthy people ages 2 years to 49 years |
| Can be used in people at increased risk of flu-related complications, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions | Given only to nonpregnant healthy people, not to those with chronic medical conditions, suppressed immune systems or to children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy |
| May be available free to the uninsured and is usually covered by insurance | May not be covered by insurance |
What kind of protection does the flu vaccine offer?
According to the CDC, when the match between flu vaccine and circulating strains of flu virus is close, a flu shot is between 70 and 90 percent effective in warding off influenza in healthy people under age 65.
The flu vaccine is less effective:
- When the vaccine isn't a close match to the type of flu viruses circulating in the community
- In people over the age of 65
- In people with compromised immune systems
Why do children need two doses of the flu vaccine?
Children younger than 9 years old require two doses of the flu vaccine if it's the first time they've been vaccinated for influenza. That's because children don't develop an adequate antibody level the first time they get the vaccine. Antibodies help fight the virus if it enters your child's system. If a flu vaccine shortage were to occur and your child couldn't get two doses of vaccine, one dose might still offer some protection.
I heard the flu shot isn't very effective for older adults. Is it worth getting vaccinated if you're over 65?
If you're over age 65, the vaccine doesn't offer as much protection as it would to someone younger because older adults produce fewer antibodies in response to the virus. Still, the vaccine offers more protection than does skipping the shot altogether. More important, the flu vaccine decreases the risk of flu-related complications — especially pneumonia, heart attack, stroke and death — to which older adults are especially vulnerable.
Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?
With or without a flu shot, you can take steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses. Good hygiene remains your primary defense against contagious illnesses.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible.
- Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
(2 of 2)
- FDA approves vaccine for 2009-2010 seasonal influenza. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm172772.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Fiore AF, et al. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009. MMWR. 2009;58(early release):1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0724a1.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Inactivated influenza vaccine: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Live, intranasal influenza vaccine: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flulive.pdf. Accessed July 24, 2009.
