Nasal Flu Vaccine Side Effects

The flu, or influenza, is a highly infectious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications and death, especially in young children, the elderly and people with other respiratory conditions such as asthma. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5 percent and 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. In addition to practicing good hygiene, the CDC believes the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine can be administered either as an injection or nasally through a vaccine called FluMist. Despite the CDC's promotion of flu vaccines, some medical professionals, such as Dr. Sherry Tenpenny (see Resources below) believe that vaccines are unnecessary and dangerous, possibly even contributing to childhood autism.

Nasal Side Effects

• Some people who receive the nasal flu vaccine will experience a stuffy or runny nose as a side effect. These side effects, which are no cause for concern, typically clear up within a day or two of receiving the vaccine.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some people who receive the FluMist vaccine will experience a decreased appetite, muscle aches, a headache, chills, a sore throat, fatigue and stomach pain. In addition, some children may develop a mild fever as a side effect.

Serious Side Effects

• In rare cases, people receiving the FluMist vaccine may develop serious side effects that indicate a potential complication requiring medical treatment. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor immediately: fever and chills; wheezing; muscle weakness; tingling or numbness of the feet or hands; or decreased movement of the facial muscles.

Allergic Reactions

• As with all vaccines and medications, in rare cases people may experience a severe allergic reaction after receiving the FluMist vaccine. Common symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, tongue, throat and lips. People who have a severe allergic reaction can go into shock, so prompt medical treatment is essential.

Warnings

• The FluMist vaccine is not safe for all people, including children younger than 2; adults older than 50; children younger than 5 who experience chronic wheezing; children and adolescents who have been taking aspirin; women who are pregnant; people with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome; people who are allergic to chicken eggs or any other component of the vaccine; and people with health conditions that put them at high risk for developing complications from the flu, including asthma, diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure and immune-system disorders.