Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Beats Shots For Kids Under 5

(Page 2)

The live vaccine was significantly more effective -- 54.9 percent fewer cases of flu occurred in those who received the live vaccine vs. the shot.

Belshe said there could be several reasons why the live vaccine is more effective in this young age group. First, when you spray it into the nose, antibodies develop at the location where they're needed most, because the flu virus is transmitted in the air and is often inhaled through the nose. Additionally, the live vaccine seems to offer broader protection against different strains of the flu in children, even in strains not included in the vaccine.

Wheezing occurred more often in children who received the nasal spray vaccine, especially in children under 12 months. For that reason, Belshe said he wouldn't recommend the nasal vaccine for children under one year of age.

Hospitalizations for any cause were also higher in the nasal spray group, but Belshe said the researchers don't know what would cause the increase.

Currently, it's recommended that children with asthma should not receive the nasal spray vaccine, because of the potential increase in wheezing.

"The flu can be a very serious disease in young children and they're the major mechanism for transmitting flu," said Belshe. "The nasal spray vaccine is a significant advance in controlling flu in young children."

While either vaccine is the most effective way of preventing flu, Bridges also recommended practicing frequent, thorough hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough. She also suggested staying home when you're sick and ventilating rooms at home if a family member is ill. Additionally, she said, if you're exposed to someone with flu or have just begun to have flu symptoms in the past day or so, antiviral medication may be helpful.

But, said Bridges, "far and away the best plan is to get vaccinated."

More information

To learn more about the flu vaccine, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.