What is Flumist?
Influenza Vaccine, Intranasal (FluMist): This is an intranasally administered vaccine used to prevent infection caused by the influenza virus in people 2 years of age and older. It contains live attenuated strains of the flu virus, which stimulate an immune response against future exposures. The vaccine is available in a multidose vial for administration into each nostril.
What is Flumist used for?
Flumist is an intranasal spray medication used to prevent and treat influenza, commonly known as the flu. It contains a live, attenuated form of the influenza virus and is administered directly into the nostrils once a year in people two through 49 years of age who are at high risk for complications from the flu.
Flumist is designed to stimulate an immune response against the influenza viruses that cause the flu. The vaccine contains three strains of the virus: one A (H3N2) and two B types, which change frequently and are updated annually in the formulation of Flumist to match the circulating strains of the viruses during the upcoming flu season. By giving the body a “practice” dose of these specific viral antigens, Flumist induces the production of antibodies that can help protect against future infections with the same strains of influenza virus.
The intranasal administration of Flumist makes it unique among other flu vaccines, which are typically administered by injection into muscle. This characteristic allows for a more targeted immune response in the upper respiratory tract and reduces the risk of systemic side effects associated with injected flu vaccines. However, Flumist has not been approved for use during pregnancy or in people with certain medical conditions, such as weakened immune systems or lung diseases like asthma.
Flumist is marketed by MedImmune, a global biotechnology company specializing in vaccines against infectious diseases, and its formulation meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for recommended influenza vaccine. It has been extensively studied in clinical trials and demonstrated to provide protection against severe flu illness and complications in high-risk populations.
Flumist side effects
- Allergic reactions
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, or pain)
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Unpleasant taste in mouth
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