What you should know about the FluMist vaccine
FluMist is a new influenza vaccine that is different from the already licensed influenza vaccine (also called the 'flu shot') because it contains weakened live influenza viruses rather than killed viruses, and it is administered by nasal spray instead of injection.
The peak of influenza activity generally occurs in the U.S. between late December and early March, and affects from 10 to 20% of the population annually. TV and print advertisements have been designed to persuade the public that they should take FluMist.
However, before opting for this spray vaccine, you may want to know about its limitations and possible dangers. It cannot be used by those who need protection against the flu the most; babies, and toddlers, people 50 or older, and those with asthma or chronic illnesses. Although the media focuses on the inconveniences that you or members of your family would have if you contracted the flu, or a possible bioterrorist attack using the flu virus, rarely, if ever, do they include the warnings and limitations of FluMist.
The FDA warns that a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions, and the most common side effects include "cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability, headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever."
FluMist is only approved for healthy people ages 5 to 49, and the cost is about twice that of a flu shot. These live viruses from the vaccine can be shed from recipient children for up to 21 days, even longer from adults, and in the package insert under "Precautions," the manufacturer states that: "FluMist recipients should avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals for at least 21 days."
There is little information regarding the use of FluMist in people with weakened or compromised immune systems, nor the safety of using it in persons 65 and older, so it is advised that these groups not get the vaccine. Healthy people who get this vaccine can pass along the flu bug if they come into contact with people having a weak immune system, and this means health-care workers should not use FluMist.
As many as 60% of the entire U.S. population could be considered immunosuppressed and therefore should not be in close contact with anyone who has received FluMist. Some examples of immunocompromised groups are: those with eczema, cancer, HIV /AIDS, organ recipients, and those on drugs that cause immunosuppression (such as corticosteroids). It is also not recommended for use in patients with a history of reactive-airways problems (asthma, etc.)
Although strains of attenuated vaccines are weakened, there is a possibility that they can still reproduce and cause disease, particularly in people whose immune system is already compromised. FluMist has not been evaluated for its carcinogenic or mutagenic potential, nor its potential to impair fertility.
According to "PROVE," (vaccineinfo.net ), FluMist should not be given to people who have health problems associated with heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease or metabolic diseases such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders.
FluMist is not recommended for: (1) children and adolescents 5 to 17 years of age if they are receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy; (2) pregnant women (also a caution if breast feeding); (3) anyone with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS); and (4), those with egg allergies. The FluMist vaccine contains stabilizers (potassium phosphate, sucrose, and nearly 0.5 mg. of MSG) in each dose. The cost the flu 'shot' is about $10 a dose while the FluMist cost is about $60 ($120 for children because they require two doses).
Here are some suggestions for you during the cold and flu season whether you choose to immunize or not. People usually catch cold and flu viruses because their natural defenses are lowered, says Mark Akers, DC, of the Whole Life Healing Centre in Denver.
There are many ways to lower your risk of getting a cold or flu. With the cold weather we spend more time indoors with forced air dry heat which dries out our mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract (nose, mouth, and beyond into the lungs) so as added protection be sure to humidify the air in your house. Diets are worse during the holiday season, so reduce the consumption of dairy foods which can promote the overproduction of mucous in the respiratory tract, which supports the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Give a thought to the importance of lowering your stress level, as our fast-paced lives are even more hectic around the holidays, and not at all conducive to a strong immune function. The California Association of Naturopathic Physicians (CANP-2000) has some tips on preventing a cold or flu this winter.
At the first sign of illness, slow down immediately and rest to prevent the illness from taking hold. It is better to stop activity in the short term rather than having your activity stop you.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get eight hours of sleep, relax often, eat moderately, drink plenty of pure water and decrease consumption of alcohol, coffee and sugar.
Viruses are often passed by touch. Wash your hands frequently and avoid shaking hands with those who are already sick.
Eat very lightly at first sign of feeling badly in a non-specific way - it is especially useful to cut back to only fruits and vegetables. Follow your body's inclination - if you are hungry, eat more and if not, eat less.
Make choices that promote strong immune function. A few examples include: switching from coffee to tea consumption which has antibacterial and antiviral action; eating garlic liberally, for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity; and adding yogurt to your diet as it sets up a beneficial situation in the colon.
Useful early homeopathic prevention includes the use of Oscillococcinum or Ferrum phos cell salt for early stages of feverish conditions. Sometimes these homeopathic medicines can stop an illness in the early stages.
Drink one quart of pure water (not distilled) every day for every 50 pounds of body weight and avoid other fluids such as coffee and sodas.
As a prevention measure, take a good high potency multivitamin-mineral. Be sure it has at least 1,000 mg vitamin C, 50,000 IU vitamin A (unless pregnant), 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg zinc and 25+ mg of the B vitamins.
*A note about vitamin A: sources advise caution when taking vitamin A. Alexander Opotowsky, MD, suggests that it may be better to get vitamin A from beta-carotene because there is less risk of toxicity. No one has been able to establish exactly what the minimum intake of vitamin A should be. Anything that affects the liver, such as alcohol use, can easily affect your vitamin A metabolism, but even without such external influences there are significant differences in how individuals metabolize vitamin A. The Merck Manual (2003) tells us that excessive ingestion of carotene does not cause vitamin A toxicity.
Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and Echinacea are proven immune enhancers, all of which have been shown to help fight colds and flu. Vitamins C and E can prevent the damage that occurs when you have a virus such as the flu. Additional supplements that are effective cold/flu fighters are zinc, selenium and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an amino acid that stimulates your body to produce the powerful antioxidant enzyme glutathione.
For more information on these topics also see "Winter Maladies," "Vaccinations," and "Alcohol - Colds and Flu," on this Web site.
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References:
Center for Disease Control - cdc.gov; FluMist package insert; webdoctor@ivanhoe.com; fda.gov; mercola.com; "Risks of FluMist Vaccine," by Sherri Ten Penny (vaccine info.com), well- known expert in the risks of vaccinations; Osteomed II, Naturally Healthy; Betty Kamen's Nutritional Hints, Hint # 1264, August 2003; PROVE (Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education); and charleston.net, Nov. 2003.
This article comes from......http://www.jrussellshealth.com/flumist.html
View drug information on FluMist.
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