I don't know what it is this year, but so many people are going down with the flu. It's weird -- I can't remember it ever being this bad.
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/x5GS7nZi924&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/x5GS7nZi924&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object> Interesting video on flu shots
as a pediatrician.... I hate this time of year. Not because of the increase in patients but because of the mis-information so many parents have. 1. everything is statistics - the flu shot is a crapshoot because the flu bug is constantly changing a little and yes they have to start incubating for the vaccine 8-9 months ahead of time... 2 however studies have shown that statistically those that get the vaccine are more likely to avoid the flu than those that dont 3. people who get the flu shot need to still practice common sense - wash hands, wash hand, wash hands. unfortunately it's like those who think they can drive 100mph because they have their seatbelt on.... 4. many believe that although kids 2-6 who catch the flu don't suffer as much/as long as other age groups that universally vaccinating them would be very helpful since day cares/elementary schools are great reservoirs for the flu to spread and then these kids take home to the adults. 5. kids 6months - 23 months are the second most likely group to be hospitalized (after the elderly above 65) if they catch influenza. they are unfortunately also are a high risk to die... and yes i've known parents who have lost an infant to influenza. 6. flu doesn't primarily cause bacterial pneumonia (since it is a viral infection) - and that's why antibiotics don't help.. however you can get secondary pneumonia and so sometimes getting checked out is necessary.
thanks. sometimes i feel like we (doctors) are preaching to the choir about stuff like this. you know i hear so much about why people don't get vaccines for their kids and i always have the same 2 responses when they worry vaccines carry risks... 1. "yes they are risky. but studies show the risk of not getting vaccinated is greater than getting vaccinated - in fact driving your child up here to the office is by far riskier than any vaccine reaction - but i'm sure you won't think twice about driving home" 2. when parents say things like "well my parents didn't vaccinate us and we did fine" - my response is "well when you were young i'm sure your parents didn't put you in car seats - are you willing to forego those as well?"
i forgot 7. the flu shot is made from dead flu viral parts - and cannot give you the flu. however i will state the inhaled version is a live virus vaccine.
I'm just over it right now. Last Friday, I left work at noon, sick. Saturday, I was feeling better (well enough to work), so I went in and worked the day. Sunday, I felt like crap again and was down all day recouperating. Monday wasn't too bad. Your body has to heal itself when it gets sick, cold medicines can make the symptoms more bearable, but you're still sick until your body kicks the bug out.
Wow, it is here in Cali too. Guy next to me was just hit yesterday, bad, in the middle of the morning and took a cab home. shivering, fever, aches. RR, hope your mom is on the mend. All of y'all take care and follow the advice of bronxfan!
The only year my father got the flu was the year he got a flu shot ~ because of this I won't get a flu shot or wear my seat belt.
Sorry, to hear that Rocket River, good luck to you and yours. On a sports related note, they mentioned on ESPN radio all the athletes affected by the flu right now. Notably a few NY Giants, some NHL, and some NBA players, Tmac included.
I've got an important flight/business meeting in a week and a half. We have 3 people out of the office with the flu right now, including our GM who never misses a day of work. I've been downing vitamin C, airborne and washing my hands plus using hand sanitizers like every hour. If I were to go get a flue shot now would it do any good or do the current ones not cover this strain of flu? Is it too late?
UGH i think ive been infected is there even any point in going to the doctor for the flu? I already have some painkillers from a previous ailment.
