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medpundit |
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Tuesday, December 09, 2003How does Flu-Mist differ from the traditional influenza vaccine? For one thing, it costs more - about $55 for a dose compared to $10 to $20 for the influenza vaccine. For another thing, it's made of live virus particles, whereas the shot is made of dead virus particles. The Flu-Mist virus has been altered, however, so that it can only survive in the nose and not in the lungs. (It doesn't like the warmer temperatures on the inside of the body.) It replicates in the nose and while there, induces the immune system to build antibodies to it. The problem is, it can also be transmitted to others by sneezing and the like, which is why it isn't recommended for healthcare workers and anyone else who is around the immunocompromised. (It's also, needless to say, not recommended for those who are immunocompromised) It can also cause a mild case of the flu, which is why it isn't recommended for the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic respiratory illnesses - those who are at most risk for complications from the flu. It is, however, just as effective as the traditional flu shot, and it uses the same strains of influenza virus that are used in the traditional shot. So, if you're young and healthy and you have the money to spare, it might not be a bad choice. That is, if you can find a pharmacy that has it. (It has to be stored at less than -15 degrees Celsius.) posted by Sydney on 12/09/2003 08:30:00 AM 0 comments 0 Comments: |
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