Flu ???

[kaydee]

How’s everyone feeling? I was sick this past week & apparently I gave my germs to my husband. He’s feeling pretty awful. Both of us have visited Urgent Care. We were told there is a flu strain going around that the shot did not protect from. Hope the bug gets out of here.

[ColdNoMore]

That sucks to hear you still got the flu...even after getting the shot.

Many years ago when the live strain was used for flu shots, I got a serious bout of it right afterwards...and swore of off them for decades.

About 6 or 7 years ago I ended up getting a virulent strain of the flu two years in a row, feeling like I was gonna die both times, so have gotten one since...with excellent results so far.

I sure hope the shot I got this year (the "old folks version" :D)...is successful.

[dcrystal]

Sorry to hear you had the flu. I am on week 2 of the flu but feeling better. BTW I also had the flu shot.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The good news, is that if you get the flu shot and you end up with one of the other strains of flu that the shot doesn't protect against, you will most likely get a much milder episode than if you hadn't been vaccinated at all.

Also, it's important to understand that the flu can take a couple of weeks in the system before it shows any symptoms. So if you got the flu VERY recently, you might already be infected - and then the shot won't prevent you from getting sick. It'll reduce the symptoms but that's about it.

The flu vaccine is not a treatment for the flu. It's a preventative - meaning, you have to not already be infected, if you want the vaccine to prevent you from being infected!

Tamiflu is an option to treat the flu if you already have it, but it comes with potentially bad side effects. So it's very important to be honest with the doctor about your overall health, current meds, etc. and not just walk in there with the expectation that he'll automatically write up a prescription for it.

I was vaccinated this year in mid-September. I'm on the younger side of "senior" and I'm fairly active and try to eat well (at least a few days a week, heh). So far I have a little bit of scratchiness in my chest, I have a morning cough, and I sneezed a few times today already (and it's only 8 am). I don't anticipate being sick, this is just how I usually am in the winter and I'm guessing my body doesn't realize it's in florida now and doesn't have to show off this year :)

[golfing eagles]

The good news, is that if you get the flu shot and you end up with one of the other strains of flu that the shot doesn't protect against, you will most likely get a much milder episode than if you hadn't been vaccinated at all.

Also, it's important to understand that the flu can take a couple of weeks in the system before it shows any symptoms. So if you got the flu VERY recently, you might already be infected - and then the shot won't prevent you from getting sick. It'll reduce the symptoms but that's about it.

The flu vaccine is not a treatment for the flu. It's a preventative - meaning, you have to not already be infected, if you want the vaccine to prevent you from being infected!

Tamiflu is an option to treat the flu if you already have it, but it comes with potentially bad side effects. So it's very important to be honest with the doctor about your overall health, current meds, etc. and not just walk in there with the expectation that he'll automatically write up a prescription for it.

I was vaccinated this year in mid-September. I'm on the younger side of "senior" and I'm fairly active and try to eat well (at least a few days a week, heh). So far I have a little bit of scratchiness in my chest, I have a morning cough, and I sneezed a few times today already (and it's only 8 am). I don't anticipate being sick, this is just how I usually am in the winter and I'm guessing my body doesn't realize it's in florida now and doesn't have to show off this year :)

"The good news, is that if you get the flu shot and you end up with one of the other strains of flu that the shot doesn't protect against, you will most likely get a much milder episode than if you hadn't been vaccinated at all."

Depends. Maybe, maybe not

"Also, it's important to understand that the flu can take a couple of weeks in the system before it shows any symptoms. So if you got the flu VERY recently, you might already be infected - and then the shot won't prevent you from getting sick. It'll reduce the symptoms but that's about it."

Yes, first part, maybe, second part

"Tamiflu is an option to treat the flu if you already have it, but it comes with potentially bad side effects. So it's very important to be honest with the doctor about your overall health, current meds, etc. and not just walk in there with the expectation that he'll automatically write up a prescription for it."

Must be started within 48-72 hours after onset of symptoms, or used prophylactically if documented influenza A is present in the household

[blueash]

Sorry, a bit technical. The CDC reports on the strains which are circulating in the US on a weekly basis.
Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm)
It also provides information on which strains were in the vaccine used this year.
Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2019-2020 Season | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2019-2020.htm)

The standard and high dose shot had 4 strains included
Influenza A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
influenza A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus
Influenza B Colorado/06/2017-like (Victoria lineage) virus
Influenza B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) virus

The circulating strains have been typed:
42 of 42 tested Flu A H1N1 are a good match to that in the vaccine
12 of 17 A H3N2 are a good match to that in the vaccine
19 of 25 B Victoria are a good match to that in the vaccine
10 of 10 B Yamagata are a good match to that in the vaccine.

So the CDC did a great job selecting the strains in this year's vaccine. There will always be more than 4 subtypes in circulation but they got the right subtype for each of the types.
It is important as well to note that when testing patients for influenza who have respiratory illnesses, only ~17% test positive nationally and 25% in Florida (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/_documents/2019-2020/2019-w50-flu-review.pdf). That means if you have respiratory symptoms it is far more likely that you do not have influenza.

The standard anti-influenza medications are excellent so far this year, the strains circulating are over 99% covered by the meds.

And just to make you worry, and encourage you to wash your hands... Influenza virus remains infectious for up to several hours (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-long-do-cold-and-flu-viruses-stay-contagious-on-public-surfaces) on a hard surface.

Lastly if you want to see a really terrific video showing how far droplets fly out of your nose and mouth when you sneeze... Check THIS NPR video (https://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/nothing-to-sneeze-at/)

[golfing eagles]

All of the above is true

Remember, each year the CDC samples flu strains from Asia in the spring and makes their best guess as to what will hit the US. Good job so far this year, but as history tells, sometimes an unexpected strain emerges late in the season. Despite all the technical discussion, best defense is to GET YOUR FLU SHOT!!!

[Boomer]

Sorry, a bit technical. The CDC reports on the strains which are circulating in the US on a weekly basis.
Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm)
It also provides information on which strains were in the vaccine used this year.
Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2019-2020 Season | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2019-2020.htm)

The standard and high dose shot had 4 strains included
Influenza A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
influenza A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus
Influenza B Colorado/06/2017-like (Victoria lineage) virus
Influenza B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) virus

The circulating strains have been typed:
42 of 42 tested Flu A H1N1 are a good match to that in the vaccine
12 of 17 A H3N2 are a good match to that in the vaccine
19 of 25 B Victoria are a good match to that in the vaccine
10 of 10 B Yamagata are a good match to that in the vaccine.

So the CDC did a great job selecting the strains in this year's vaccine. There will always be more than 4 subtypes in circulation but they got the right subtype for each of the types.
It is important as well to note that when testing patients for influenza who have respiratory illnesses, only ~17% test positive nationally and 25% in Florida (http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/_documents/2019-2020/2019-w50-flu-review.pdf). That means if you have respiratory symptoms it is far more likely that you do not have influenza.

The standard anti-influenza medications are excellent so far this year, the strains circulating are over 99% covered by the meds.

And just to make you worry, and encourage you to wash your hands... Influenza virus remains infectious for up to several hours (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-long-do-cold-and-flu-viruses-stay-contagious-on-public-surfaces) on a hard surface.

Lastly if you want to see a really terrific video showing how far droplets fly out of your nose and mouth when you sneeze... Check THIS NPR video (https://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/nothing-to-sneeze-at/)

Thank you, blueash,

I have always wondered what they know and when they know it.

I wash my hands like I think I am scrubbing to do surgery — or maybe more like Lady MacBeth. And when trying to get out the door in a public restroom, I sometimes have to stretch like I am doing yoga so I can use a paper towel between the handle and me and still hit the wastebasket when throwing away said towel. (Some places put the wastebasket close to the door which I wish all public restrooms would do.)

I am way too often horrified by women I see leave a public restroom stall and head straight for the door and out. YUCK! (And, yes, I have seen this happen even in TV.)

[New Englander]

All I know is since (over 30 yrs) I've been getting a flu shot I haven't got sick with the flu. :a040:

[JoMar]

I also carry hand sanitizer and use after leaving public restrooms. I'm not fanatical about using it but it is always in my pocket. I now get my flu shots at Publix, easier to get and multi-task. Now I need to get the Shingles Shots.

[simpkinp]

And make sure you wash your hands or at least use hand sanitizer after handling the menu in the restaurants. They are filthy.

[PugMom]

No flu here. I've never had a flu shot in my life, & do not want one.

[PugMom]

Thank you, blueash,

I have always wondered what they know and when they know it.

I wash my hands like I think I am scrubbing to do surgery — or maybe more like Lady MacBeth. And when trying to get out the door in a public restroom, I sometimes have to stretch like I am doing yoga so I can use a paper towel between the handle and me and still hit the wastebasket when throwing away said towel. (Some places put the wastebasket close to the door which I wish all public restrooms would do.)

I am way too often horrified by women I see leave a public restroom stall and head straight for the door and out. YUCK! (And, yes, I have seen this happen even in TV.)

unless you see them coming from a handicapped stall. those have their own sinks, soaps, & paper towels.

[Nucky]

I think in most cases I would take my chances handling the menus rather than going the Sanitizer Route. Google side effects of Sanitizers and you'll see what I mean. It's very informative.

[asianthree]

We have never had a flu shot (severe reaction) and yet we have never had the flu. Knock on wood:a040:

But then again we ate stuff out of the garden without washing it, In our younger years. No canned or boxed food. Hand sanitizer is not your friend

[OhioBuckeye]

How’s everyone feeling? I was sick this past week & apparently I gave my germs to my husband. He’s feeling pretty awful. Both of us have visited Urgent Care. We were told there is a flu strain going around that the shot did not protect from. Hope the bug gets out of here.
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.

[EdFNJ]

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. Mostly true but in us "older folks" the flu, if that's actually what it is, can lead to pneumonia and other bad stuff quicker than in young'uns and so it's better to be checked especially ones lungs when you feel really bad. Besides, if you have medicare and/or other health insurance you can't be throwing away too much money if any at all.

[golfing eagles]

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!

[vintageogauge]

And make sure you wash your hands or at least use hand sanitizer after handling the menu in the restaurants. They are filthy.

As well as salt & pepper and condiments, edge of the table and chair backs. You almost have to bring rubber gloves with you to be safe.

[vintageogauge]

unless you see them coming from a handicapped stall. those have their own sinks, soaps, & paper towels.

Very few have their own sinks. I also discusses me to see men coming out of the stall and walking straight out the door back to their table or bar.

[Villageswimmer]

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!

Thanks for your informative post and good advice. The last time I had flu, I didn’t care if I lived or died. I was that sick!

[Bjeanj]

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!

I have bad asthma and get my flu shot every year. I resent people who do not get a flu shot for *other than* medically valid reasons. If I get the flu regardless, I’m pretty sure I’ll end up in the hospital.

[Koapaka]

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.


Sorry, but the statistics do not agree with your thinking. I post this NOT to argue with you, but to ensure those that are in the "high risk" group (age related) realize HOW many people die each year in the US alone from "flu related illnesses".

How Many People Die From The Flu Every Year In The US? (http://www.urgentcarefl.com/many-people-die-flu-every-year-us/)

[Koapaka]

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!

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!!!! I have watched HEALTHY, 19 yr old airmen in Basic Training for the USAF DIE of the flu! If it can KILL a 19 yr old, HEALTHY, kid of this age group, it is a HUGE risk to those of us over 65 (cause lets face it, the under 2 yr old group probably is not trolling "The Villages" forums!) UNLESS you have a medically specific reason NOT to get the shot, there are MANY lives you are placing at risk in a retirement community, not just your own.

[kaydee]

Both my husband & I got the flu shot end of Sept. since I have COPD, have had pneumonia, and a compromised immune system, it is Imperative that I spend the money & get medical attention. We’ll be happy when this bug is out of our system..wearing us down.

[Nucky]

I go to the Dr as needed and hardly ever delay. I have tried to tough it out in the past without good results. My Doctor at Santa Barbara has made me swear off Web M.D. cause he's the Dr and I'm not. I've had Double Pneumonia twice and almost checked out the second time because I waited to long to go to the Dr.

The Flu shot definitely works. I usually feel a little miserable for about a day but not this year. It was a very small reaction for some reason.

Quitting smoking is the best thing I've ever done. It has helped keep the Flu away I think.

[golfing eagles]

I go to the Dr as needed and hardly ever delay. I have tried to tough it out in the past without good results. My Doctor at Santa Barbara has made me swear off Web M.D. cause he's the Dr and I'm not. I've had Double Pneumonia twice and almost checked out the second time because I waited to long to go to the Dr.

The Flu shot definitely works. I usually feel a little miserable for about a day but not this year. It was a very small reaction for some reason.

Quitting smoking is the best thing I've ever done. It has helped keep the Flu away I think.

Merry Christmas, Nucky

I agree, stay off Web MD and the other pseudo-medical websites. When a patient brought an internet print out to his/her visit, I took it in my right hand, passed it to my left hand then into the trash can without even glancing at it. My response to their comment of "don't you even want to look at it" was----"The day that I have to rely on your 10 minutes of on line research is the day you should RUN, not walk away from me. Besides, who do you think these sites go to when they need content?" (Of course, they then edit the correct information ad nauseum until any similarity to the truth is purely coincidental.

[Nucky]

Merry Christmas to you as well GE. It is fantastic to have you back on board again.

I forgot to thank you for the Bag O' Snakes several years back that you sent on Christmas! Thanks a Million! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[patfla06]

I just want to remind ALL of us to please NOT
cough and sneeze into the air.

I continue to see Villagers doing so without covering their mouth.

Let’s all keep everyone else healthy during cold and flu season.

[E Cascade]

flu vaccines are based on previous years' strains, not current. I have the flu now from flying for Christmas and take 9000-12000 mg of liposomal vit C per day + liquid Zinc sprayed to the back of throat. Temp is 100.4. Stopped eating till this passes. Other than feeling a bit chilled, tired, and coughing up crud feel OK. The strain going around should last about 4-5 days. Take care and don't go out and spread it.

[golfing eagles]

flu vaccines are based on previous years' strains, not current. I have the flu now from flying for Christmas and take 9000-12000 mg of liposomal vit C per day + liquid Zinc sprayed to the back of throat. Temp is 100.4. Stopped eating till this passes. Other than feeling a bit chilled, tired, and coughing up crud feel OK. The strain going around should last about 4-5 days. Take care and don't go out and spread it.

Wrong, VERY wrong. The flu vaccine is based on sampling primarily from Asia early in the year, which are the strains that hit here during flu season. They are NOT "previous year's strains". As far as 9-12 grams of Vitamin C go, congratulations, you now have the most expensive urine in TV.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: