Or get the flu jab and avoid all the problems in the first place.

It hit you hard there, Barb.  Warm fuzzy hugs to you.   




I dat a runny nose today, sneezun too.  Stocked on tissues.

So what is it that a doc can give you (that you can't get over the counter) after you've contracted an influenza virus that will make it better?

If it is actually the flu, and not a cold, there is a med called Tamiflu, that if given within the first 48 hours, will substantially lessen the hit you take.

TAMIFLU is prescribed for treating adults and children 1 year and older with influenza (flu) whose symptoms started within the last day or two. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in patients 1 year and older. TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the annual flu vaccinations (you should still get the flu shot every year

Joe

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Questions & Answers
Vaccine Effectiveness
How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

How effective is the flu vaccine?
How well the flu vaccine works depends on how well the match is between the influenza (flu) vaccine and the types of flu viruses that are circulating that year. Scientists try to predict what strains (types) of flu viruses are most likely to spread and cause illness each year to put into the vaccine. Past studies have shown in years when the vaccine viruses and circulating viruses are well-matched, the vaccine can reduce the chances of getting the flu by 70% to 90% in healthy adults. The vaccine may be somewhat less effective in elderly persons and very young children, but vaccination can still prevent serious complications from the flu.

Is the flu vaccine effective against all types of flu and cold viruses?
The flu vaccine is your best protection against flu viruses. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last flu season. The flu vaccine does not provide protection against non-flu viruses that can cause colds and other respiratory illnesses. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on symptoms alone.

Does the flu vaccine work the same for everyone?
The flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu, and vaccination is the main tool used to protect people from influenza. A number of studies have shown that the flu vaccine works, but how well the vaccine works can change from year to year and vary among different groups of people. The ability of the flu vaccine to protect a person depends on at least two things: 1) the age and health of the person getting the vaccine and, 2) the similarity or "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and those being spread in the community.

Vaccine effectiveness is not 100%, and some people can still get the flu. For instance, some older people and people with certain chronic illnesses might develop less immunity than healthy young adults after vaccination. However, even for these high-risk individuals, the flu vaccine still can provide protection against getting severe complications from the flu.

Besides vaccination, how can people protect themselves against seasonal flu?
Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu. Antiviral drugs [ Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ] are an important second line of defense against the flu; these drugs must be prescribed by a doctor. In addition, good health habits, such as covering your cough and washing your hands, can help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses.

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

I have gotten a flu shot every year....and never get the flu. The italicized was the stuff I cut and pasted from the Tamiflu Website.

Joe

I've never heard that Tamiful was all that great either. Gotta get that shot kids.

Here's a good place to learn about the so called vaccine terrors: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Sorry it isn't as much fun as reading about those who liken vaccines to devil-inspired horrors.

Charlie

I believe in vaccines, but since influenza mutates, I don't believe in the flu shot.  Never got one and probably won't in the future.  I think the last time I had the flu I was 15.  I won't dissuade anyone else from getting it though, it's their choice! 



Anyway, Get well soon Barb!!

I get my flu shot every year.  Several years ago, I didn't get a flu shot, got the flu and missed more work than I needed to (I actually went back to work, rebounded and ended up sicker than before).  I absolutely cannot afford to get sick with the flu and miss work (add to that the fact that I'm in wally world every damned day and that puts me at a higher risk for catching the flu).

carolyn

Quote:

She might.

Quote:


I got my pneumonia shot for the first time in 2008. This is the miracle drug for geezers like me. Every five years is the recommendation.

I'm not sure if I was late with the flu shot. I pretty much wrote off two weeks of September as a wasted time. I never had a cold virus like what flattened me. Very different symptoms although my twerp doctor said there was an odd thing running around at the time. OK.

Charlie

I've had the flu shot twice, and the flu twice.  Two weeks later each time.

Had the pneumonia shot last year, and was down for two weeks with pneumonia two weeks later.  Used all my sick days and a week of vacation to it.  I'll pass on both of them thank you very much.

Jerry