alternatives to the flu shot

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Alternatives to the Flu Shot

 

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Pediatric Resources

• Do My Kids Need a Flu Shot?

• Kids and the Flu

03-04 Flu Season

• Flu Season Update

• Find a Flu Shot?

• Avoiding the Flu

Elsewhere on the Web

• CDC Influenza

• Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

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• FluMist Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

• FluMist Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

• Find a Flu Shot Location or Clinic

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2003-2004 Flu Season Update

As you are likely aware, if you haven't gotten a flu shot for yourself or

your kids already, you probably won't be able to get one this year. You might

still try to find a flu shot from a local clinic or health department

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Flu Shot Alternatives

One alternative to a flu shot is to get FluMist, the nasal spray flu vaccine

which is still in good supply. There are some limitations though, including

that it can only be given to healthy people from the ages of 5 to 49 years, so

that leaves out younger children, the elderly and others at high risk for flu

complications. It also is more expensive than a flu shot and many insurance

companies don't pay for it, however, some do, so check with your insurance

company and doctor to see if FluMist is a good alternative for you.

There is a rebate from the manufacturer offering up to $25 off your FluMist

vaccination, and that may make it more affordable for you.

Since FluMist is thimerosal free, it is also a good alternative for parents

who were avoiding getting a flu shot because of worries over its having

thimerosal. Antiviral Drugs

In addition to flu immunizations, antiviral drugs can also be used to prevent

the flu. These medications include:

amantadine (Symmetrel)

rimantadine (Flumadine)

oseltamivir (Tamiflu) According to the CDC, 'both amantadine and rimantadine

are indicated for the chemoprophylaxis of influenza A infection, but not

influenza B. Both drugs are approximately 70%--90% effective in preventing

illness

from influenza A infection.' Tamiflu covers both influenza A and B and can

'prevent influenza illness among persons administered chemoprophylaxis after a

household member was diagnosed with influenza.'

Persons at high risk for complications of the flu and who were not vaccinated

can take these medications 'throughout the influenza season or during peak

influenza activity'.

Other people may just want to take them after being exposed to someone with

the flu. For example, if one of your kids is diagnosed with the flu, it might

be worthwhile to get a prescription for one of the antiviral drugs for all

other household members who didn't get a flu immunization so that they don't

catch

it too.

These antiviral flu drugs, plus another medication called zanamivir

(Relenza), can also be used as a treatment for the flu to 'shorten the time a

person

infected with influenza feels ill' if they are started within 1-2 days of your

becoming sick. Avoiding the Flu

The last alternative, which isn't always practical, is simply trying to avoid

people who are sick with the flu. See our guide to Avoiding Getting Sick with

the Flu for more information.