The Claim:
A new study has sparked a rumor that the live, attenuated flu vaccine spray can cause Strep A infection.
The Facts:
The claims are a misreading of the science. The study includes an important note: “Following infection with an influenza virus, infected or recently recovered individuals become transiently susceptible to excess bacterial infections, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus…Importantly, LAIV, unlike wild-type virus, did not increase severe bacterial disease of the lower respiratory tract.” In other words, Strep A infections were not more likely following LAIV vaccination when compared to influenza infection
And while the study did identify increased bacterial load in the nasal cavity in mice of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, neither of those two bacteria are Group A Streptococcus. Staphylococcus aureus isn’t even streptococcus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Group B strep. Furthermore, bacteria in the nose is not a lower respiratory infection, and mice are not people.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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