Chat about the flu with medical professionals

This year's flu outbreak has reached severe levels around the Tri-State. Ask medical professionals any questions you have about the outbreak here.

by WCPO Admin on Jan 10, 2013 at 12:33 PM

This year's flu outbreak has reached severe levels in many parts of the Tri-State, and it has led to many questions about this seemingly routine illness.

9 On Your Side hosted a chat with Mike Samet of the Hamilton County Health Department and Emily Gresham Wherle of the Northern Kentucky Health Department, as well as Dr. Madhuri Sopirala, Director of Infection Control, from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to answer questions you had about the flu.

For more information on the flu and this year's outbreak, check out our flu special section at http://www.wcpo.com/generic/news/health/healthy_living/Flu

We'll be starting the live chat shortly! You can start to submit your questions now and our professionals will get to them then!

by WCPO Admin 1/10/2013 9:33:28 PM
I tested positive for Influenza A despite getting the flu shot. Questions: 1. Do you know which strain(s) of the virus are now spreading most rapidly? 2. Do you know whether those strains were included in the vaccine doses administered last fall (when I got mine)? 3. Do you know what percentage of the people who got shots, as I did, ended up sick anyhow so far this year? And how does that number compare to years past?

by Stuffy 1/10/2013 10:02:43 PM
I don't like the fact that Kroger has opened a clinic in their stores. Nothing like going shopping for your food and picking up the flu or other.

by Kathy Bushelman Stutler 1/10/2013 10:02:55 PM
influenza a has been most prominent thus far....however, the "B" variety i also a factor. This year's vaccine is proving effective.

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:04:09 PM
We are hearing that this year's flu vaccination has very little efficacy against the current flu "epidemic". Why are you advocating vaccination for a non-existant strain during the height of this supposed flu season? It sounds as though someone is trying to push a drug to avoid egg on their face. What is the truth?

by Straight Answeres 1/10/2013 10:04:26 PM
hopefully, folks are getting the vaccine LONG before symptoms are present

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:04:43 PM
You're probably more likely to get the flu from touching groceries in a store than a health clinic...people are there to get prevention most of this season.

by Mike 1/10/2013 10:05:24 PM
Well said, Mike!

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:05:50 PM
I went to The Little Clinic at Kroger yesterday to get a flu shot and there were no sick people there, it was just other healthy people waiting to get a flu shot so they don't get sick...

by Mike 1/10/2013 10:06:50 PM
Good to hear.....we should be getting vaccinated BEFORE we're sick

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:11:19 PM
What is different this year with the strain? It appears there have been quite a few children who have died this year already. If my child was vaccinated what is the likely hood of the virus becoming that severe?

by nicole 1/10/2013 10:15:41 PM
Great question.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:16:24 PM
Some years flu activity is simple higher--more people are sick and giving it to each other. While this year's activity is unusually early, it's not extremely severe--yet.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:17:12 PM
The CDC reports that 18 children have died nationwide, but none in our area.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:17:39 PM
The vaccine will help your child--either fight off flu completely or perhaps get a milder case. Glad you got him/her protected!

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:18:08 PM
and we're hoping to keep it that way!

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:18:13 PM
A coworker came to work very sick with a fever, cough and congestion. I tried to stay away from her but I worry that I got exposed. What is the incubation period for the virus and what are the first signs that you are ill?

by Catherine 1/10/2013 10:19:19 PM
Can be as soon as 1-2 days. If you're ill, STAY HOME

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:20:02 PM
There were three strains selected for the vaccine. Is there a different strain causing the sickness?

by scott 1/10/2013 10:20:11 PM
If you are coming down with the flu, you'll know it. Feel like you've been hit by a bus.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:20:45 PM
All three strains in this year's vaccine are being seen nationwide. Luckily, that's about all we are seeing.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:21:10 PM
90 percent of specimens tested by CDC of people who were ill match the vaccine.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:21:28 PM
My kids started throwing up last night about 3am now im sick but have different symptoms. Low grade fever, chills, I have slept all day and I feel really weak. Oh and I have the alternative to vomiting. Is this the flu or a stomach virus?

by amie 1/10/2013 10:21:54 PM
Is it still a good idea to get the flu shot if you currently have it? All 7 of my children have it and myself and my husband have pneumonia. We've been treating with OTC meds and antibiotics. But is it going to do any good since we already have it?

by Empera 1/10/2013 10:24:17 PM
Flu can give you vomiting. You also have fever and chills. In flu season, that is concerning for flu.

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:24:47 PM
You can still receive the vaccine, as there are other strains of flu out there

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:25:52 PM
Both my husband and I have never had a flu shot even as kids and were struggling with weather or not we should get one this year and our daughter

by brittany 1/10/2013 10:26:47 PM
We strongly recommend that you all be vaccinated. It is the best protection!

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:27:50 PM
How long do the flu symptoms last? I think I just came down with it last night. I am no better today. I was wondering how long I should expect to feel so bad? When will this fever break?

by Ann 1/10/2013 10:28:08 PM
symptoms can persist for 2 weeks. Keep hydrated; take fever reducers; if you're sypomtoms are just beginning, your Dr. may prescribe an anti-viral which can lessen symptoms and shorten duration

by Mike Samet, Hamilton... 1/10/2013 10:29:58 PM
What is different with the strain this year? There appears to have been more children who have died this year. If my child was vaccinated what is the likelihood of a severe case?

by nicole 1/10/2013 10:30:10 PM
The severity of a flu case should be less if you have been vaccinated. But if your child has a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes, that make him/her at higher risk for flu

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:31:38 PM
My 22 year old daughter is home with nausea and vomitting, alot of upper abd. pain. Is this a strand of flu? Are you seeing alot of this also?

by Jennifer 1/10/2013 10:31:54 PM
@Ann good luck -- my fever took almost a week to break.

by Stuffy 1/10/2013 10:32:02 PM
Nausea and vomiting can be a symptom of flu, but it also could be symptoms of a gastrointestinal virus.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:36:21 PM
What are the guidelines for vaccinating children? Is there a different vaccine for school-age children than adults?

by Kevin 1/10/2013 10:36:34 PM
Anyone 6 months and older should get the vaccine.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:37:00 PM
How long do flu symptoms last. I just started with symptoms last night and not feeling any better yet. How long till this fever breaks?

by Ann 1/10/2013 10:37:17 PM
The vaccine is the same for school-age kids; though kids who are needle-weary may want to get the nasal spray instead.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:37:30 PM
Flu symptoms can last up to two weeks. And you're miserable that whole time! If you just started your symptoms, contact your health care provider. You may be able to get medication to lessen the time/severity of the illness.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:38:15 PM
I had hip surgery Dec. 28, my daughter came to stay with me and got the flu. I woke up with a headache, feeling nauseaed, then chilling, and now aching all over. I had the flu shot and thought I wouldn't get it. Should I try to get the tama flu medicine?

by Debbie 1/10/2013 10:38:34 PM
you can still get flu even if you got flu vaccine. I would see a doctor.

by PJ O'Keefe 1/10/2013 10:39:58 PM
Thanks! Are the hospitalizations and deaths more likely caused by not seeking out treatment and pneumonia like complications? Thanks

by nicole 1/10/2013 10:40:10 PM
Most people don't die from the flu itself, but rather complications like pneumonia.

by Emily Gresham Wherle - Ky... 1/10/2013 10:40:44 PM
I'm concerned that my bout with the flu weakened my immune system, and am wondering whether I'm now especially vulnerable to the other types of flu. Am I? And is there anything else I can do to protect myself besides keep washing my hands like crazy?

by Stuffy 1/10/2013 10:40:58 PM

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Chat about the flu with medical professionals

This year's flu outbreak has reached severe levels around the Tri-State. Ask medical professionals any questions you have about the outbreak here.

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