Keeps you from getting sick with an influenza virus ("catching the flu").
Brand Names:
FluMist
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to influenza vaccine (a "flu shot") or eggs or egg products. You should not use this medicine if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer, problems with your immune system, or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a nerve problem). You should not use this medicine if you are also using any medicine that affects your immune system, like cancer treatments or steroids (such as prednisone). This medicine should not be given to a person under 17 years old who is also using aspirin or any medicine that contains aspirin. Some medicines that contain aspirin are Aggrenox®, Soma® Compound, Norgesic®, and many cold medicines.
Uses:
Spray
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
Children 5 to 9 years of age who have not received the nasal vaccine before should receive 2 doses at least 6 weeks apart.
The influenza vaccine must be repeated each year to protect you from the flu.
If a dose is missed:
Most people need only one dose of this medicine.
If your child needs a second dose of this medicine, it is very important for your child to receive the second dose on schedule. If you must cancel the appointment for the second dose, make another appointment as close to that date as possible.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any other medicines given through your nose, or any medicine that weakens the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
Make sure you doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat influenza virus infections (such as amantadine, oseltamivir, rimantadine, zanamivir, Flumadine®, Relenza®, Symmetrel®, Tamiflu®). Wait at least 48 hours after your last dose of antiviral medicine before using FluMist™. It is best to wait at least 2 weeks after using FluMist™ before using any antiviral medicines. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about this.
You should not receive any other vaccines at the same time that you receive FluMist™.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia or similar conditions such as sickle cell disease, or if you have ever had asthma or other breathing problems.
Tell your doctor about any health problems or illnesses you have had recently, especially if you have a fever. This medicine is for use by healthy adults under 50 years old, and children five years of age and older.
Tell your doctor if you spend time with a person who has health problems, such as someone you live with. This is especially important if you are often with a person who has problems with his or her immune system. Try to avoid being with anyone who has immune system problems for at least 21 days after you receive this vaccine.
Children under five years old are usually not given the flu vaccine nasal spray. Young children who need the flu vaccine are usually given the flu vaccine injection (a shot).
This medicine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
