The flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, can cause mild to severe illness, and at times, can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

You can protect yourself now by receiving the FluMist, a needle-free influenza vaccine. The nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for ìLive Attenuated Influenza Vaccineî). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant.

Side effects from the FluMist are generally mild and include runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough.

Those who are eligible can visit the WRAMC Allergy-Immunology Clinic in the Heaton Pavilion (Bldg 2), Suite 1J for vaccination. The walk-in clinic hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 3:30 p.m., and Thursday from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

You should not receive FluMist if you:

ï Are under 2 or older than 50

ï Are allergic to eggs or are allergic to FluMist

ï Are younger than 18 years of age, on daily aspirin therapy

ï Are pregnant or nursing

ï Have a severe immune system problem or are taking medications that significantly impair your immune system

ï Have a history of asthma or current respiratory illness

ï Have any of the following diseases: lung, kidney, heart, metabolic, blood (such as sickle cell or thalassemia), or a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome or other active neurological disease

ï Are taking prescription medications to prevent or treat influenza

ï Have taken or plan to take another live vaccine within the next 30 days

ï Are in close contact with the severely immunocompromised.

Walter Reed only has FluMist available for use at this time. The flu shot, an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, is expected to be available later this month. Information will be made available when the vaccine arrives and is available. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and above, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions. Flu doesnít fight fair, so fight back. Get vaccinated.