Influenza News

[kiddiedoc]

Just a little FYI:

Two of the most common strains of the flu virus circulating right now are "mismatched," meaning that they are not contained in this year's Northern Hemisphere vaccine. The shot (or intranasal mist) is designed to protect against three distinct viruses each year, and it is always an "educated guess," based on the past year and viral surveillance. Unfortunately, with mismatches, protection is certainly less than optimal.

There has been a real surge in flu activity in our area over the past couple of weeks, so take extra care to wash your hands, avoid contact with people who have any type of respiratory symptoms, and stay home (out of work or school) if you have flu-like symptoms until you are evaluated by a physician. There are antiviral drugs that work fairly well to decrease the severity and duration of influenza, but they are only effective if taken early in the course (within the first 24-48 hours).

 

[True_Fan]

thanks kiddiedoc for the post and the heads up!!

 

[Vercingetorix]

Everyone in my family had a flu shot this year. Every one of us has had the flu for what seems like the last solid month. This would probably explain it.

 

[volsforever27]

I haven't got the flu so far this year (I probably just sealed my fate saying that), and I have a daughter who brings everything home from school. I think flu shots are a waste of time IMO, not knocking anyone who gets them. I just don't see the point.

 

[volsgal03]

Kiddie Doc, I work in a hospital, and every year they offer the influenza vaccine. I have always received it and been fortunate to not become ill. We have had a surge in flu activity around here also. I live in Allegheny county where the population of the elderly is high and man our hospital is hopping this time of year. Thanks for the info.

 

[mattvols]

i already had the flu this year. not a whole lot of fun

 

[bigdaddy]

A doctor promoting hand washing.....nursing schools around the nation are applauding you.

 

[SWIL]

My office has been decimated by the flu the past couple of weeks. Everyone is getting it. :yikes:

 

[kiddiedoc]

I think flu shots are a waste of time IMO, not knocking anyone who gets them. I just don't see the point.

The point is to prevent or lessen the severity of infection with influenza. Immunization is also aimed at avoiding "pandemic" outbreaks, which can amass huge death tolls. Reference the 1918 pandemic (40-50 million deaths worldwide), or more recently, the Hong Kong outbreak in the late 60's as examples.

Even without pandemic spread, influenza can be deadly when contracted by neonates, infants, the elderly, and people with medical problems. It also costs the U.S. an estimated $10 billion a year due to lost time at work and treatment expenses.

 

[volfan2024]

Just a little FYI:

Two of the most common strains of the flu virus circulating right now are "mismatched," meaning that they are not contained in this year's Northern Hemisphere vaccine. The shot (or intranasal mist) is designed to protect against three distinct viruses each year, and it is always an "educated guess," based on the past year and viral surveillance. Unfortunately, with mismatches, protection is certainly less than optimal.

There has been a real surge in flu activity in our area over the past couple of weeks, so take extra care to wash your hands, avoid contact with people who have any type of respiratory symptoms, and stay home (out of work or school) if you have flu-like symptoms until you are evaluated by a physician. There are antiviral drugs that work fairly well to decrease the severity and duration of influenza, but they are only effective if taken early in the course (within the first 24-48 hours).

:thumbsup:

 

[orangeguy]

The point is to prevent or lessen the severity of infection with influenza. Immunization is also aimed at avoiding "pandemic" outbreaks, which can amass huge death tolls. Reference the 1918 pandemic (40-50 million deaths worldwide), or more recently, the Hong Kong outbreak in the late 60's as examples.

Even without pandemic spread, influenza can be deadly when contracted by neonates, infants, the elderly, and people with medical problems. It also costs the U.S. an estimated $10 billion a year due to lost time at work and treatment expenses.

well said Doc. :good!: