The 2008-2009 flu season is fast approaching, and for those that are worried, this year’s influenza vaccine is not only more potent but can now be administered in two forms.

Protection from the influenza virus is now easier than ever due to the benefits, cost, availability and the new more effective nasal spray called FluMist.

Shari Kinney, Administrator for the Cleveland County Health Department, said the flu is more serious than people think because it compromises the immune system, making a person more susceptible to a worse infection and even death.

“Every year people die of influenza…there has been one death already this year from influenza,” Kinney said.

She said the best way to protect oneself against the virus is to get immunized.

Shelly Diaz, spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that college students are especially the ones who need to get the flu vaccine.

“The important thing to remember with the flu vaccine is your not just protecting yourself but those around you,” Diaz said.

This years vaccine like past years protects against the predicted three most common strands of the virus, Kinney said. Unfortunately those allergic to eggs should not receive a vaccination because it is cultured in chicken eggs.

But, a new vaccine, not cultured in eggs, is under development, Kinney said.

The newest approach to flu vaccination is the nasal spray. LAIV, also trademarked as FluMist, has shown success in inoculating people between 2 and 49 years old.

Diaz said the flu shot and nasal spray differ from one another, and which one used is up to the patient. Nasal spray vaccines have received some skepticism by the public because they are Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccines.

“Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses,” Diaz said. “However, the viruses are attenuated [weakened] and cannot cause flu illness.”

Kinney said the patients have had no adverse reactions to the nasal spray.

“[The nasal spray] provides protection quicker than the shot … It also provides better immunity, your body responds more actively,” Kinney said.

Sociology senior Christina Kathey is pregnant and a mother of two. She said it is recommended that she and her children get vaccinated, because she is pregnant and her children are susceptible to lots of germs at school.

Her daughter, Meghan received the nasal spray at the Cleveland County Health Department. Her only complaint was that “it tasted funny.”

Kathey said they are first time users of the nasal spray, and that they must return 30 days later for a booster.

Kinney said the main vaccination drive in Cleveland County is over, but people seeking an immunization can still receive them on Fridays.

“Cleveland County Health Department is still holding smaller flu vaccine clinics on Fridays in Norman and Moore,” Kinney said.

Like with all medication, precautions should be taken for certain groups of people.

Kinney said the nasal spray should not be administered to children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 50 or pregnant women.

Flu Symptoms

The CDC lists symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and Diarrhea and vomiting, which is more common among children than adults, said Shelly Diaz, spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diaz recommended simple habits like staying active, getting lots of good rest, washing hands, avoiding close contact, and staying home when to protect oneself this flu season.

Both the Cleveland County Health Department and Goddard Health Center administer flu shots free of charge.