December 6, 2004
Valdosta - If you're not over 65 or pregnant, you probably haven't gotten a flu shot this year. But there's still hope. "The flu mist is a healthy option for those individuals who don't meet the high risk criteria but still want to protect themselves against the flue," said Debra Adams, Nurse.
The Lowndes County Health Department has about 100 doses of the Flu Mist nasal flu vaccine. "It's an intra nostril spray and its just sprayed into each side of the nostril and then they're on their way," said Adams.
Unlike the injection, Flu Mist contains live influenza viruses rather than dead ones. And of course the biggest difference is there's no painful injections, just a quick sniff and you're done. "They're both equally effective its just another option for administering the vaccine," said Adams.
And the vaccines arrived just in time for you to protect yourself before the flu season peaks. "Around here its usually in late December to early March so there's still plenty of time for people to come in and get immunized so they'll be fully protected against the flu," said Adams.
But Flu Mist isn't the right choice for everyone. It's only advised for healthy people between five and 49. "Those who work with individuals who are immuno-compromised such as HIV or cancer patients also should not get this vaccine," said Adams.
The vaccines are 10 dollars per dose and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
posted at 3:10 P.M. by ashley.harper@walb.com
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