From:
"Dan Muldoon"
Date: 2003-11-05 17:38:25 UTC
Subject: Flu shots vs. FluMist(TM)
To: "Ferret Health List" <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <006201c3a3c3$9da65620$269a8693@URD0031464191>
Recently it has been mentioned that people who have been exposed to "flu
shots" cannot pass the flu to either ferrets or people, because the vaccines
are made from killed influenza virus. This makes perfect sense to me, and as
I write this I'm about to go roll up my sleeve for a flu shot. IMO, the shot
indirectly protects the ferrets by making *me* less likely to get the
flu--and give it to them.
However, an alternative product, FluMist(TM) nasal spray, is made from
*live* (but weakened) virus. I understand that while it's safe for people
with healthy immune systems, there is concern about people who use this
product being able to pass the virus to others, possibly causing the flu if
the unlucky recipient has a compromised immune system, or other health
problems.
I'm loath to take the chance myself, but do any of the vets or others have
any thoughts on whether or not a FluMist user can pass the virus to ferrets?
Dan Muldoon, Ph.D.