Flu nasal spray

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Hi there, 

I have stage 3 melanoma and my daughter has been given the nasal flu spray today - I also had the flu vaccine as an injection. My oncologist and the doctors seemed to go back and forth about whether my daughter should have the spray as it’s a live vaccine and I’m immuno- compromised but eventually decided it was fine. 

After she was given the spray though the nurse was quite thorough and intense about washing hands and not leaving tissues around (my daughter has a bit of a cold anyway) and it worried me a bit as some of this is kind of unavoidable with a toddler!

How careful should I be and how likely am I to get the flu from this spray? I’m currently taking dabrafenib and tramatenib daily and am around half way through the course.

Thank you

  • Hi Bee1990,

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome back. I see that you are on the Melanoma Forum. I hope you find this helpful.  I’m Kate one of the Cancer Information Nurses Specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am sorry to hear that you have stage 3 melanoma but glad you are receiving dabrafenib and trametinib for it. I hope you are doing well during your treatment.

    It is important the people you are in close contact with, should still get all their vaccinations, including live vaccines.

    It is unlikely for you to get the flu from your daughters live vaccine.

    As you are in close contact with your daughter, then it is important for regular hand washing and maintaining good hygiene, particular during close contact, food preparation, or nappy changing. This will minimise any small risk.

    As the treatment you are having can reduce your immune system if you do start to feel unwell and develop a temperature please contact the hospital straight away on the 24 hour number that was given to you.

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

    take care.

    Kate,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref KE/ SMc