Got flu mist up the nose..now IM SICK

[sourland]

Our doctor does not recommend the mist. He feels that there is too wide a range of reactions to the modified live virus. We'll be gtting the shots. Had the flu several years ago and one experience was enough. Actually at this point in life

we've probably been exposed to the many variations as related strains seem to show up periodically.

 

[SallyF]

I'm with you, Sourland. One episode of the REAL flu was enough. I get the shot every year, and have never gotten sick from it.

 

[Stacykins]

You cannot get sick from the injection version of the vaccine, the killed virus. Some people who say it causes them to get sick are likely people who were already sick and just in the incubation period of whatever cold or other illness they were carrying around. Some people do get mild fevers, redness/soreness at the site, and even body aches in response to the vaccine. But that isn't the norm and most people have no reaction. I want to scream every time someone says they got the "stomach flu" after they got the vaccine! If only they knew that real influenza was a respiratory illness, not a gastrointestinal one!

OP, you say you got symptoms of an upset stomach and whatnot, right? Well, that won't be cause by your life flumist vaccine. We're starting to get into cold season and whatnot, so you probably picked up some other nasty elsewhere, and symptoms just happened to coincide with the flumist inoculation.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Same here..once you get a BAD case of the flu.. you'll always get the shot. (or a gun and bullets, for just in case, if you dont get the shot..)

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
I work in an immunology research center. I know the stomach upset is not part of the vaccine. I know I cannot get ill from the shot either. The nasalmist, I was really skeptical because I KNEW it was live. But working with a bunch of scientists and having them reassure me I would be fine...peeved me after realizing yesterday they are wrong-Im sure they all got the shot!

 

[dainerra]

Quote:
I've always been advised that the mist is likely to give you a couple days of sniffles and sneezes. That is why, if you are around any immuno-compromised people, they aren't allowed to give you the mist. It's all on the paperwork I fill out every year for the flu shot. A strong immune system = a couple days annoyance. Compromised immune system = a possible flu (the real one)
Here is from the handout with the paperwork:

LAIV is made from weakened virus and does NOT cause influenza. The vaccine can cause mild symptoms in people who get it:

children/adolescents: runny nose, nasal congestion or cough
fever
headache and muscle ache
wheezing
abdominal pain or occasional vomiting/diarrhea


adults:
runny nose or nasal congestion
sore throat
cough, chills, tiredness/weakness
headache

However..... that is why the mist is better. It causes your body to make more/stronger natural antibodies since it actually activates your immune system

 

[SillyChicken]

I don't buy that "you were already sick" bs. Everyone who's gotten sick after having the shot or mist seems to come down 24-48 hrs after the shot. I don't buy it at all.

I prefer to allow my immune system to do it's job.

 

[dainerra]

Quote:
that is why the live vaccine in the mist makes you "sick" There is just enough to give your immune system a jump start. You get a little sniffly for a day or so and then are protected against the strains that are in the vaccine. Vs getting the "real" flu and being sick for several weeks, possibly ending up in the hospital.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'll stay out of the mist versus shot versus let-them-take-me-when-it-is-my-time argument. The reason my doctor said to get the flu shot or whatever in late October is that the effects do not last a lifetime. They wear off. Since the heart of flu season is later in the winter, late October is the best time to get the best protection for the worst part of flu season.

 

[TriciaHowe]

I didn't realize until I just read it that the flumist contains MSG. Glad my husband didn't take it since he is terribly allergic to MSG. He has celiac disease and we found that even if he ate something gluten free, if it has MSG in it it will lay him up for up to 3 days. I would hate to think of him getting something like that!!