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Read Important Safety and Eligiblity Information

UNDERSTANDING INFLUENZA:
Cold or Flu?

Is it a cold or the flu?

We know it’s confusing, but you may be able to tell them apart. Both have similar symptoms: sore throat, cough, and runny nose. However, children who have a common cold tend to have milder symptoms, while those who have the flu have symptoms that usually appear without warning and include body aches and fever.

Which is which?

Here’s a quick list to give you a better idea of the differences.
Adapted from “Is It a Cold or the Flu?” by National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institutes of Health; November 2008.
This table is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any of the flu symptoms shown here, stay home and call your doctor. There are vaccination options that help protect against seasonal flu. See what they are at FluMist or Flu Shot?
Healthcare Professionals
Important Safety and Eligibility Information

What is FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?
FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza. It can be used in children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.

Who should not get FluMist?
You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin—children or adolescents should not be given aspirin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Who may not be able to get FluMist?
Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

They will decide if FluMist is right for you.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?
The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Please see the accompanying complete Product Information, including Patient Information [PDF] for more information.