While so much attention has been given to H1N1 and the vaccine that will soon be available to high risk groups in our area health care providers don't want you to forget about getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu as well. Both vaccines are only good if a percentage of the population gets them.

Every year in the United States on average 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. 36,000 die every year from those complications.  People over the age of 65 and children 2 years old and younger are more likely to suffer complications because their immune systems aren't strong enough to fight off the infection. Doctors and officials with the CDC repeatedly tell us the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination every year.

 So that begs the question: what's better the FluMist or flu shot? I asked Avera McKennan Internist Dr. Jennifer McKay that very thing.

Dr. Mckay says, "Most people chose the mist because it's easier to take. It's not a shot. Most parents feel strongly about not putting their child through the trauma of getting a shot so they elect the FluMist. Both are equally effective at protecting against the flu.”

The guide lines on who can get the FluMist differ greatly. You basically have to be healthy and between the ages of 2 and 49.

People with asthma cannot get the nasal spray flu vaccine. Children younger than 2 and people 50 and older and pregnant women cannot get the FluMist. People with allergies to eggs can't get either forms of the seasonal flu vaccination. A hangup for some people is the FluMist is made with live influenza virus.  Dr. McKay says don't be fooled you still can't catch the flu from either vaccines.

Dr. McKay says, "In the FluMist, it is a weakened virus. The people who get it may develop slight symptoms but trust me it's still better than full blown flu."

As for the flu shot, kids 6 months old and older can get the shot, pregnant women are strongly encouraged to get the shot and those with who don't fit in to the other categories of the FluMist should get the shot.

 FluMist does cost more, but more and more insurance companies are covering it.

 For children 9 and younger who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time, either the FluMist or the shot, they will need two doses.

And since children 6 months and younger can't get inoculated, it's advised everyone in the household gets vaccinated. Dr. McKay says mom's should continue to breastfeed since that's how the babies will build their immunity (through mom).

If you have questions certainly ask your doctor.