The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with an influenza virus. Each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans. Some people, such as the elderly, young children and people with certain kinds of medical problems, are at high risk for serious flu-related complications. The flu shot is one way to reduce your risk of getting the flu. You may also wish to consider flu shot alternatives.
Nasal Spray Vaccine
The CDC recommends the yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. For people who want to get vaccinated, but do not want to get the flu shot, the nasal-spray vaccine FluMist is an alternative.
Unlike the flu shot, which is an inactivated virus vaccine, FluMist is made from live attenuated (weakened) virus. Therefore, while almost anyone over 6 months old can get a flu shot, there are certain limitations on who can receive FluMist. According to the CDC, FluMist is only for healthy people between 2 and 49 years old. Pregnant women and people with medical problems that put them at high risk for complications from influenza should not take FluMist because there is a risk of acquiring the disease from the vaccine. Children and teens who take aspirin also should not be vaccinated with FluMist due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Finally, FluMust can provoke wheezing in young children; therefore, it is not for children under five with a previous history of wheezing.
Flu Parties
Flu parties were first described in 2009 in response to shortages of the H1N1 flu vaccine. According to the CDC, flu parties are gatherings featuring close contact with a person who is infected with a mild case of the flu. The rationale is that exposure to mild disease will provoke natural immunity that will provide protection against more severe disease. The CDC cautions against flu parties because, while seasonal and swine flu produce mild disease in most people, in others it can lead to hospitalizations and even death. Unfortunately, with flu parties, there is no way to predict the outcome for an infected individual.
Preventive Action
Even if you do get vaccinated for the flu, the CDC still recommends that you take everyday preventive action. For example, the CDC advises, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it-don't store it in your purse or pocket. Frequent hand washing also helps prevent the spread of the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved.
