Flu-related complications result in over 35,000 deaths each year according to the website flu.gov. For this reason the Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccination as the best way to protect yourself from catching this virus. The live flu vaccine that comes in nasal spray form is attractive to many because no shot is involved and does not contain any preservatives unlike its flu shot counterpart. That said, the live flu nasal spray comes with side effects that should be understood before making any decision about which type of vaccine is right for you.
Side Effects for Children
Most side effects of the live flu vaccine or flu spray in children have been mild, according to both flu.gov and the CDC. Cold-like symptoms such as a runny and/or stuffy nose, wheezing, a sore throat and a mild cough are common, as are stomach problems like abdominal pain with occasional vomiting or diarrhea. Some children have reported low-grade fevers accompanied by chills, muscle and headaches and fatigue.
Side Effects for Adults
Adults who get the flu spray with the live virus report many of the same symptoms as those of children described above. But unlike children, adults usually do not experience a fever with the flu spray. Generally speaking these side effects are mild and disappear within two to three days, much shorter and less severe than the symptoms and duration when catching the actual flu.
Spreading to Others
While rare, the CDC estimates the risk of catching the flu from someone who just received the vaccine to range from 0.6 to 2.4 percent. Because of this risk those in contact with people that have compromised immune systems (caretakers for those with diabetes, HIV, or around someone who takes steroids for asthma) should not get the live virus flu vaccine.
