Chat about the flu with medical professionals
by WCPO Admin on Jan 11, 2013 at 4:34 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 LIVE chat Friday evening with a doctor from the University of
Cincinnati Medical Center and other medical experts to answer questions viewers had about the
flu.
All flu questions and comments can be found below.
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
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Here's a link for some easy home remedies that can help ease symptoms of the flu: www.wcpo.com
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I work at a nursing home, and was expecting to get the flu shot through my facility but it wasn't offered. Several residents came down with the flu today, and I was exposed to it when working with one of my clients. Is it a good idea to get the flu shot now? Or would it be a risk since I've been exposed?
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Marilyn - if indeed you have had a confirmatory flu test then you will be immune subsequently. However if you have not had a "rapid" flu test or culture then you may not have had the influenza virus. Thus in the latter scenario you may want to obtain a flu shot. G Rouan, UCMC
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Nance - I would always error on the side of calling your physician and allow him/her to help you make that decision. However if you are otherwise young, healthy and can stay well hydrated, influenza is what is called a "self limited" disease (it resolves on its own over 2-4 days). G Rouan, UCMC
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I was hospitalized New Years weekend with the flu and an upper respiratory infection which was aggravated by taking Tamiflu. I have finished my prednisone and zithromax, but still am coughing, feel congested in my chest, and have a runny nose. I see my doctor on Monday for a follow up appointment. Should I be taking any OTC meds until that time? -
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I have a two month old who is too young to get vaccinated. I am breast feeding her to help with antibodies if we come in contact with it. There are a couple extended family members who are not vaccinated. If they appear well is it okay for her to be around them. Also. How long should I be concerned about taking her around people with this flu outbreak?
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If you were vaccinated during your pregnancy, that helps with passing maternal antibodies to your unborn baby as does breast feeding your infant. As long as the relative are well, they should not pose much risk. It is hard to predict when the current flu activity will subside. Typically, when the virus is circulating in a community, it lasts about 6 weeks, but there is no way to tell if becasue the flu came early this season, if or when it will be gone.
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Rarely washed, frequently shared and constantly touching your mouth, your iPhone could be spreading the flu virus, public health experts say. Find out more on how you can clean your devices without ruining them here: www.wcpo.com
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There have been many kids out at my high school this week. I got the flu shot in November. Unfotunately, I think I have picked up the virus and have been experiencing symptoms over the past two days. Is it normal to feel like my limbs are slightly numb and feel some pressure and weakness in my chest? -
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This concludes our LIVE web chat for today. Thanks for joining us! We hope you found it helpful. 9 On Your Side has more resources available on our website in our special flu section on the homepage. It can be found here: www.wcpo.com
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