Protect yourself and your family this flu season with the needle-free Nasal Spray vaccine, now available at HMS Al Garhoud Hospital. This innovative vaccine offers a simple and painless way to get protected, making it a great option for children and adults alike.

Who Can Get It?

Nasal Spray is a unique vaccine that is administered as a fine mist into the nose. It's an excellent choice for many healthy individuals who wish to avoid a traditional needle injection.

Suitable for:

• Healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years old.
• Individuals who prefer a needle-free vaccination option.
• Parents or caregivers seeking a less stressful flu shot experience for their children.

Not Suitable for:

• Individuals with a severe allergy to eggs or any other component of the vaccine.
• Children under 2 years old, due to an increased risk of wheezing.
• Adults 50 years of age and older.
• Children or adolescents who are currently receiving aspirin-containing therapy.
• Pregnant women.
• People with a weakened immune system or who live with someone with a severely weakened immune system.
• Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Individuals with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, heart disease, or chronic lung disease.
• Anyone who has taken an influenza antiviral medication within the last 48 hours.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional at HMS Al Garhoud Hospital to determine if the Nasal Spray is the right choice for you or your child.

Nasal Flu Vaccine: Key Facts

• Painless and Easy: The vaccine is a simple, single spray into each nostril, with no need for an injection.
• How it Works: The nasal spray contains live, weakened flu viruses that help your body develop immunity. It works where the flu virus often enters the body—in the nasal and upper respiratory tract—providing a strong immune response.
• Effective Protection: Vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in protecting against common flu strains. Getting vaccinated annually is crucial, as flu viruses change each year.
• Excellent Safety Record: It has an excellent safety record and has been administered to millions of people worldwide.

Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get the flu, certain groups are more vulnerable to serious complications, hospitalization, and even death. It is especially important for these individuals and those in close contact with them to get vaccinated.

High-risk groups include:

• Young Children: Especially those under 5 years old.
• Older Adults: Especially those 65 years and older, as their immune systems weaken with age.
• Pregnant Women: Pregnancy alters the immune system, heart, and lung function, increasing the risk of severe flu illness.
• Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions: This includes people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disorders, or a compromised immune system.
• Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: The close quarters can lead to rapid spread of the virus.

Flu Safety Guide

In addition to getting your annual flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene and healthy habits can help prevent the spread of the virus.

• Get Vaccinated: The single most effective way to protect yourself and those around you is to get an annual flu vaccine.
• Wash Your Hands Often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands. Dispose of used tissues immediately.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs are easily spread this way.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus to others. You should remain at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards.

Get your nasal spray flu vaccination at HMS Al Garhoud Hospital today and take a proactive step toward a healthier flu season.