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Old 12-24-2019, 02:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye View Post
I'm no Dr. but I think you just throw away money by going to the Dr. if you get the Flu, it's got to run it's cycle, like a cold. Once you get the Flu it'll be over with before any Dr. can cure it. Just my opinion! When you're sick your sick. It's a bad virus you get from other people just like getting a cold.
Well, I AM a doctor and IMHO your post is VERY bad advice.

Influenza is no joke especially among seniors. It is still the 8th leading cause of death and the only infectious disease still in the top 10 (In 1915, all the top 10 were infectious diseases). In 2017 it accounted for 55,672 deaths and you can bet the vast majority of victims were under 2 or over 70 years old.

Also, there is treatment available if you are seen within 48-72 hours after the onset of symptoms , oseltamivir(Tamiflu). You can't prescribe this for yourself.

So, best advice----get your flu shot, you won't get anything worse than a sore arm from inactivated vaccine. If you get flu like symptoms, or if it is present in other household members, see your doctor. He can do a rapid influenza A test from a swab and get you started on treatment. DON'T BE ONE OF THE 55,672!