The Nose Doesn't Know -- You Now Need The Shot
DENVER (CBS4) - Well, it sure sounded like a great idea. A flu vaccine by a squirt up the nose rather than a shot in the arm. But it looks like the nasal flu spray just doesn't cut the mustard, so a division of the CDC said this week that it's time to head back to the conventional shot to protect kids (and adults) from influenza.
The nasal spray was originally approved in 2003, and seemed like a great idea for healthy people ages 2-49 -- especially those with a dread of needles.
In fact, the spray seemed like such a great idea, in 2014, the feds recommended that the spray be the No. 1 choice for kids from ages 2-8.
Unfortunately, it looks like the spray may be a bust.
The regular flu shot has averaged about a 63 percent effectiveness rate over the past few years. New research shows the nasal spray over the last three flu seasons has been more along the lines of three percent. As in, basically no protection.
Therefore, the CDC and others say that the spray is out, and the shot is in.
So what does it all mean?
Bottom line is forget the nose and give us an arm. Roll up the sleeve for the season ahead. Doctors will now be saying the nasal spray is a no-go come Fall. Children and adults.
Sorry about that. I hate needles, too.
Dr. Dave Hnida is CBS4's Medical Editor. He blogs about the latest studies and trends in the health world. Read his latest blog entries, check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @drdavehnida
