My child's flu nasal spray

[john0084]

My daughter is due for her immunization soon and I was wondering as I'm on a low dose of hydroxy if it will be ok. I have a lot of contact with her .

[Garstongal]

I look after my two young grandchildren who are due to have the nasal spray flu vaccine (which us a live vaccine) very soon. I have been advised to have my flu vaccine before they receive theirs...easier said than done as there appears to be a shortage of supply in our area! Some posts I read recomnend keeping clear of kissing/cuddling children too closely for a week+ after they have been vaccinated, which is not very practical in our cases

[Superwoman]

Hi the only one I know of, is when a child starts school they are given drops up the nose for flu, and they do ask if anyone in the family has an immune problem and if so to avoid contact for a couple of hours as the culture is a live one. I know this as my grandson has just started school. Also all his other immunisations have been fine. The same applies with my young granddaughter all have been fine.

Jean

[john0084 in reply to Superwoman]

Thanks for you help, the leaflet that came with the form said to avoid close contact for up to 2 weeks! Which would be impossible, but my immune system is ok I have pv and feel well so I think I will just go ahead with the spray.

[piggie50]

Hi John,

I look after my grandchildren and when they have had their immunisations as babies I was told by the nurse specialist that I should not change their nappies for 2 weeks, luckily, my daughter was on maternity leave at the time so no problem. I don’t worry about the flu nasal spray with them now, but I am careful to wash my hands regularly especially if wiping runny noses etc. I think it’s the bodily fluids you need to take care with. Like you, I feel well and as I take a very low dose of Hydroxy I don’t feel my immune system is severely compromised. I’m rarely I’ll and don’t catch every cold going!

The nurse did say to me a few years ago ‘ if you were their mother not grandmother you would have to change their nappies so don’t worry too much.’

Best wishes

Judy

[john0084]

Thanks Judy

[Nickyanne]

Hi there

My job is administering nasal flu immunisations across my county as a imms nurse. I also have 2 older kids who will receive the nasal flu imm this year. I have ET and take 21 Hydroxycarbamide tabs/week. I’m 39.

Current advise is if you are severely immuno compromised eg in isolation having a bone marrow transplant then avoid contact with kids for 2 weeks after administration of nasal flu(but then children in general wouldn’t be visiting those patients anyway) but otherwise it is fine to have contact.

If you are out & about going to the supermarket/ post office blah blah you will be exposed to hundreds of litres of bacteria anyway.

Last year I had my flu jab as every year but my then 9 yr old brought flu home( he was too old for the nasal flu st school)He recovered gave it to my daughter- she recovered. I ended up in hospital with influenza B & pneumonia for 6 days. It was horrendous & was off work / out of action for anything for 5 weeks after, pretty bad for my family, was touch n go as to whether I might have needed intensive care.

Please have your flu jab & make sure anyone eligible has there’s too. Flu is terrible & I will do anything I can to never have it again.

I hope that helps.

Nicky

[john0084]

Thanks Nicky your experiences bring it home how dangerous flu can be, I had my jab a few weeks ago so I feel protected. Thanks