Flu Mist?

Hi. My family's military and right now they are giving out shots for 2 and under and the Flu Mist for over 2. They said it's more reliable. My 3 year old and I went ahead and got the flu mist and then found out that we could have mild flu symptoms up to a week or so. Now I'm a bit worried because I have company coming next week and I want us all to be well.

Has anybody else ever had the flu mist? I've never had it before. I'm just wondering if it's to be expected that we may get sick now.

What's everybody's opinion on the shot verses the flu mist? Just wondering. Thanks!

[Enoch Choi, MD]

The flu mist is slightly more reliable in inciting an immune response to develop immunity to the influenza virus.  Mild flu symptoms are really mild, and definitely possible, my wife got them after the flu shot.

[April2]

Well, so far so good! My 3 year old and I are doing well. *crossing fingers*  :) Thanks!

[Enoch Choi]

you're welcome!

[angelausp]

The difference between the nasal spray and the shot vaccine is that the nasal spray contains a weakened live virus and the shot contains dead strains of the virus.  The nasal spray gives a stronger immune reaction but carries a small risk that the virus will multiply too quickly in people with compromised immunity.