The seasonal flu vaccine comes in two forms--an injection or shot and a nasal spray or nasal mist. Each year, nasal sprays are updated to contain specific strains of the flu virus public health officials expect to see in the upcoming flu season, according to Drugs.com. The nasal spray vaccine differs from the shot in that it contains the live virus instead of inactivated materials. The nasal vaccine exposes the body to a small amount of the flu virus to help the immune system develop antibodies that fight off future exposure to the virus. The nasal flu spray vaccine has the risk of side effects.
Side Effects in Children
Children may experience side effects that adults don't experience, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These include vomiting, muscle aches or a fever shortly after receiving the nasal vaccine. Children can also experience other mild side effects similar to those reported by adults, including runny nose, wheezing or headache.
Mild Side Effects
The live virus contained in the nasal spray may cause mild, flu-like side effects. Drugs.com lists these effects, including low fever, chills, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, irritability, feeling tired, vomiting or muscle pain. It's also possible that you may have contracted a different strain of the flu virus than what was included in the vaccine.
Serious Side Effects
Any signs of allergy should be reported to a medical professional immediately. Drugs.com warns that a severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening. Symptoms of such a reaction include hives, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue or trouble breathing.
Other severe or serious side effects to report to a medical professional include severe weakness, unusual feelings in the arms or legs, a high fever, chills, body aches or moderate to severe flu symptoms, according to Drugs.com. These effects may develop shortly after the flu mist is administered, or they can occur two to four weeks later.
