This could be significant in developing effective methods of preventing and treating shock, and its consequences. A new flu vaccine given to children via nose drops or a nasal spray was safe and produced good antibody response, according to a multi-center study led by the University of Maryland Medical Center. It proved not only to be safe but much more accepted by children because they did not need to have a flu shot. Although most people who receive flu vaccinations are adults, children with chronic diseases, such as asthma, also routinely receive flu shots. If more children could receive this type of protection against the flu, it could help stop the spread of the disease in the rest of the community, according to Dr. King.
Children can easily spread the flu virus.
If we can prevent them from getting sick, we may have a profound impact in breaking the chain of transmission. Dr. King added that the new vaccine potentially could be offered to adults in the future. The study included 356 children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, who received the nasal vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine contained three live, weakened influenza virus strains that stimulate antibodies used by the body to fight the infection. The study, which lasted from fall 1995 to spring 1996, was conducted at four sites in the United States and one in Chile.