Influenza (live Attenuated)
About Influenza (live Attenuated)
Influenza (live Attenuated) is a needle-free vaccine used to prevent seasonal influenza (the flu) caused by specific virus strains. It helps your body build natural immunity against the influenza virus before the seasonal outbreak begins. This vaccine is specifically designed for eligible children and adults to reduce their chances of catching or spreading the flu.
This nasal vaccine is typically taken once a year before the start of the flu season to ensure continuous protection. Because it is given as a nasal spray, it can be taken with or without food. To support your immune system's response to the vaccine, it is helpful to maintain a balanced diet, stay well-hydrated, and get plenty of rest around the time of your vaccination.
Most people experience only mild, temporary side effects such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, or a mild sore throat. However, if you experience rare but serious side effects like difficulty breathing, wheezing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction, you must consult your doctor immediately.
Do not take this if you have a severely weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are a child receiving aspirin therapy. It is also not recommended for young children with a history of asthma or active wheezing. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your full health history before starting this vaccine.
This vaccine can interact with flu antiviral medications, so you should avoid taking them close to your vaccination date. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems should consult their doctor, as alternative types of flu vaccines are usually recommended for these specific groups.
Uses of Influenza (live Attenuated)
Medicinal Benefits
Influenza (live Attenuated) helps protect against seasonal flu by strengthening your body's natural defences before you are exposed to the virus.
The following are the benefits of Influenza (live Attenuated):
- Helps reduce the risk of getting seasonal influenza.
- Lowers the chance of flu-related illness and complications.
- Provides a needle-free, pain-free vaccination option.
- Supports immunity where the flu virus commonly enters the body.
- Promotes fewer missed days from school, work, or daily activities due to the flu.
- Helps reduce the spread of influenza to family members and the community.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Influenza (live Attenuated) will be administered as a spray by the doctor or healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.
- The sprayer nozzle is inserted just inside your nostril.
- The plunger is pressed rapidly in a single motion to release half of the liquid into one nostril.
- The dose divider clip on the sprayer is removed, and the remaining half of the liquid is sprayed into the other nostril.
- Breathe normally; there is no need to inhale deeply or sniff actively during the spray.
Storage
Side Effects of Influenza (live Attenuated)
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Low fever or chills
- Muscle aches or headache
- Decreased appetite (especially in young children)
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Sudden wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
- High fever that does not go down
Drug Warnings
- Check the vaccine before use: Make sure the vaccine is within its expiry date and has been stored in a refrigerator as recommended.
- Inspect the solution: The vaccine should be clear to slightly cloudy and pale yellow. Do not use it if it contains floating particles or has changed colour significantly.
- Avoid flu antiviral medicines: Do not take flu antiviral medicines, such as oseltamivir, within 48 hours before or for 2 weeks after receiving this vaccine. These medicines can reduce how well the vaccine works.
- Limit contact with severely immunocompromised people: If you are in close contact with someone who has a severely weakened immune system, such as a bone marrow transplant patient, avoid close contact with them for at least 7 days after receiving this vaccine.
- Tell your healthcare provider about allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or any ingredient in this vaccine before receiving it.
Drug Interactions
- Flu Antiviral Medications (e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir): These medicines may prevent the vaccine virus from multiplying in the nose, rendering the vaccine ineffective.
- Salicylate-containing Medications (e.g., aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate): Children and teenagers should not take these medicines for 4 weeks after receiving this vaccine, due to the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
- Immunosuppressive Drugs (e.g., prednisone, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide): These medicines may reduce your immune response to this vaccine and make it less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Influenza (live Attenuated). Discuss with your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeInfluenza (live Attenuated) is not recommended for use in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeInfluenza (live Attenuated) is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Driving
safeInfluenza (live Attenuated) has negligible or no influence on the ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Influenza (live Attenuated).
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Influenza (live Attenuated).
Children
cautionInfluenza (live Attenuated) is safe for children above 24 months. Influenza (live Attenuated) is not recommended for children below 24 months due to the risk of side effects.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep nightly, especially during the week of your vaccination, as sleep is crucial for a strong immune response.
- Eat Immune-Supporting Foods: Focus on a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and nuts to provide your body with essential vitamins like Vitamin C and Zinc.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water daily to help keep your mucous membranes healthy and assist your body's natural defence systems.
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to minimise exposure to other winter viruses while your body builds immunity.
- Avoid Sick Contacts: Try to steer clear of people showing symptoms of cold or flu, particularly in the two weeks following your vaccination, while your immunity is still developing.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Influenza: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It mainly affects the nose, lungs, and throat. Symptoms include fever, muscle ache, chills, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache, and runny nose.
FAQs
Influenza (live Attenuated) is used to prevent influenza.
Influenza (live Attenuated) helps the body to protect itself by stimulating the immune system to form antibodies.
Do not give your child acetylsalicylic acid/aspirin (used to relieve pain) for four weeks after the vaccination with Influenza (live Attenuated) unless advised by the doctor due to the risk of Reye's syndrome (a very rare, serious disease that can affect the brain and liver).
No. The live attenuated influenza vaccine in Influenza (live Attenuated) contains highly weakened viruses that are cold-adapted, meaning they can only survive in the cool environment of the nose. They cannot multiply in the warmer lungs or cause the actual flu. Some people may get a mild runny nose or sore throat, which is simply a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Do not take this if you are pregnant, have a severely weakened immune system, or are a child or teenager taking aspirin. Additionally, young children with a history of asthma or active wheezing should avoid it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if this nasal spray is appropriate for you.
You need to take Influenza (live Attenuated) once every year. The flu virus strains change frequently, and your immunity naturally declines over time. An annual dose ensures you are protected against the most common strains circulating each winter season. Talk to your doctor about the best time to receive your annual dose.
If you have a mild cold without a fever, you can usually still receive the vaccine. However, if your nasal passages are heavily congested, it may prevent the spray from being absorbed properly. In such cases, it is best to wait until your nasal congestion clears up. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
No, pregnant women should not take Influenza (live Attenuated) because it contains a live, weakened virus. Instead, pregnant women should receive the inactive, injectable flu vaccine, which is highly recommended and safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor to find the right vaccine option for you.
Influenza (live Attenuated) is generally approved only for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years. It is not recommended for adults aged 50 and older because the immune response to this live vaccine is less effective in older age groups. Older adults should receive the standard injectable flu shot instead. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not repeat the dose if you sneeze after using the spray. Clinical studies have shown that a significant portion of the vaccine is absorbed almost instantly by the nasal lining, and repeating the dose is unnecessary. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor.
