Latest flu season expected to be severe; doctors urge vaccination, including FluMist as needle-free option

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — If this year’s flu season is anything like the one they’re having in Australia, we could be in for a severe one.

This winter, infectious disease experts say hundreds and likely thousands of flu-related deaths can be prevented with the flu shot. Americans now have more ways than ever to get the vaccine.

Eighth grader Matthew Harutunians gets a flu shot every year, but he hates getting poked.

“The needle kind of stings. And it kind of hurts. Kind of painful,” he said.

Thanks to a nasal spray version of the flu shot, Matthew doesn’t have to worry,

“For children, fear of needles is a big concern and so that’s something that we try to address,” said Pediatrician Dr. Julie Park with Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles.

FluMist is available for those 2 to 49 years old. And this year, you can also buy it online for self administration or for a parent to give at home.

Studies show it’s just as effective as the needle version.

“And it actually provides extra protection in the nasal lining,” Park said.

MORE: Nasal spray flu vaccine approved for at-home use

The number of kids who die from the flu every year is sobering. Last year, there were 216 pediatric flu deaths – the highest in 15 years.

“Ninety percent of those deaths are in unvaccinated children. The flu can cause pneumonia, inflammation in your brain, your heart, your muscles, organ failure, dehydration,” Park said.

But it’s not just kids who need flu protection. The U.S. flu season is predicted to be more severe than in years past. The flu shot is recommended for everyone six months and older who don’t have contra-indications. Even if you don’t think you need one, Park said think about all the vulnerable people around you.

“You might have people in your family with cancer or chronic medical conditions and the elderly,” she said.

Another advantage of a needle-free vaccine? No sore arms.

“A lot of my athletes are very interested in FluMist because they might have a big game coming up the day of their appointment,” Park said.

“I’d rather have something that’s pain-free than something that stings,” Harutunians said.

The flu shot is now available at your doctor’s office, pharmacies and public health clinics.