Lori Keough Live Chat Flu Q&A

Hi Everyone, welcome to tonight's chat

Hi - If I have already gotten a flu shot this season, any need to worry?

Hi Michael. You can still get the flu even if you've had the flu shot. This year, the flu vaccine has about a 90% efficacy against the strain circulating. Further, those who have received the flu shot are about 50%-60% less likely to get the flu.

I live in Florida and haven t had my shot but also have not heard of any outbreaks here should I be worried?

There is an elevated risk in the State of Florida. Check with your local health department

if you dont get the flu shot what are the risks? also can i get sick from getting the flu shot?

Hi Mike. The risk of not getting the flu shot are that you are at increased risk of getting the flu. Most people do not get sick from getting the flu shot. Side effects are typically mild and include fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, running or stuffy nose.

Hi, I received my flu shot, but my daughter was denied her flu shot because she is 16 years old. Other than making a pediatric appointment, is there a walk-in clinic where she can be immunized?

Hi Donna, thank you for your question. There are many flu clinics in the state! It is not too late for her to get a flu shot! http://www.wpri.com/generic/health/news/flu-shots-school-municipal-vaccination-schedules

I have many allergies including chemical and all seafood. Should i get the flu shot.

Good evening, Barb. Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare. You should not get the influenza vaccine if you have a severe egg allergy. See your provider regarding your chemical allergy as it may, or may not, be a contraindication to getting the vaccine. I am not sure what chemical you are allergic to.

I can't find a clinic close to where I live. I'm unemployed, without health insurance, and I have asthma and usually get pneumonia every year. Is it too late for me to get a flu shot if I can find a clinic?

Hi Diane. There are influenza vaccination clinics in the state. See: http://www.wpri.com/generic/health/news/flu-shots-school-municipal-vaccination-schedules

Why do I need to get a flu shot. I have been told that this vacine does not contain B strain protection, which is the strain that is causing all the problems.

According to the CDC, about 90 percent of the flu strains in circulation analyzed at the CDC are a good match to viruses included in the 2012 to 2013 influenza vaccine. You are also 50-60 percent less likely to catch the flu than those who are not vaccinated.

Is there an upper age limit for the flu shot ?

Hi Arthur. Nice to hear from you. NO! In fact, older adults are at high risk for influenza related complications and should be vaccinated.

I was wondering what the ingredients of the vaccine that they put into your system is? And if there is any long term problems that may occur from putting this into your body

Hi John. Great question. Vaccines adverse events are monitored very carefully by the CDC. Although adverse events can, and do, happen, they are rare. To my knowledge, there are no long term problems that can occur from getting the influenza vaccine. For more information on adverse events associated with influenza visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Activities/vaers.html

I am a senior nursing student and wondering if you knew of any opportunities for volunteering at local flu clinics?

Hi Jen I appreciate your question as a Professor of nursing, I applaud your willingness to volunteer! Here are a list of local clinics that you can contact. http://www.wpri.com/generic/health/news/flu-shots-school-municipal-vaccination-schedules You can also try the DOH vaccine division http://www.health.ri.gov/immunization/

What would happen if I got a second flu shot this season? I had 1 in Oct. would it be beneficial or not?

Hi Ric, studies, in general, do not support a second dose to be efficacious unless you may have had difficulty mounting an immune response with the first dose due to medications or illness.

If I have get the flu shot before and had a bad reaction sure I take it again

Hi Maria, I would consult with your health care provider but in general we do not give an influenza vaccine to those who have had a severe reaction to one in the past.

are there any free clinics in r i and nearby ma

Hi Carol These are in RI. http://www.wpri.com/generic/health/news/flu-shots-school-municipal-vaccination-schedules These are MA clinics. https://www.mylocalclinic.com/fcss/

Should schools be closed

I am currently in treatment for lung cancer. I have had 3 rounds of chemo. Is it save to get a shot? Thank you

Hi David. I would voice my concern to your local school department. There are a number of school clinics that children can be vaccinated at. http://www.wpri.com/generic/health/news/flu-shots-school-municipal-vaccination-schedules

Hi Lori, My husband, Paul, has a cold can he still get the flu shot or should he wait?

Hi Donna. If your husband Paul is moderately or severely ill he should wait. However, for a minor cold he can usually get the vaccine.

I have a son who has a seizure disorder. The side effects you mention mild fever flue like symtons could cause lots of seizures and also if he comes down with the flu it could get really bad. Should I try to ride out the season or get a shot?

Dear Ms. Ricci: I would talk with your provider about your specific circumstances. I am not sure how old he is but there is an increased risk of febrile seizures when the flu shot is administered with the Pneumoccocal vaccine so perhaps hold off on giving those two together. Also, although I am not sure what causes his seizure disorder but that in itself is not a contraindication to getting the vaccine.

How long does it take to recover from Flu?

Hi Tulip. Recovery from the Flu is variable. It depends on your health in general, if you received anti-virals and other factors. Everyone is different.

If I get a flu shot is there a period of time that I should I stay away from my adult sibling who is very ill with cancer that is no longer responding to treatment?

The influenza vaccination is not live and should not pose a risk to your sibling, Susan. If you are feeling ill for any reason, you should stay away. You should also know you are contagious with flu 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms so for you it is important to protect yourself and your sibling by getting the vaccine if you can. Comment From Donna

I got the flu shot in October and now I think I'm getting the flu,I'm a hey glands hurt chills should I get tarmi flu?

You raise a good question, Donna. You can still get the flu if even if you received the flu shot so it is possible. Tami-Flu and other anti-virals are best administered within 36 hours of symptom onset and may be indicated in your situation. You should consult your provider.

I feel tired and have a headache, also getting stuffy nose. Should I get a flue shot or wait?

Hi Mike, great question. So, in general, mild illness will not prevent you from getting a flu shot and it sounds like that may be the case. More severe illness and fevers are general recommendations to wait. Hope you feel better.

I am allergic to many things including eggs and have been unable to get a flu injection. A friend mentioned they heard of an injection approved by the FDA in Nov for people like me but my Doctor knows nothing about it. Can you tell me where I might obtain a flu injection for egg allergy people?

Hi Chanadra. To my knowledge there is no flu vaccine for those allergic to eggs since the virus is grown in that medium to manufacture the vaccine. You should take precautions to protect yourself! See: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm GOOD LUCK!

Can I catch the flu by getting vaccinated ?

No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the flu shot during the process of making vaccine, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe. In randomized, blinded studies, where some people got flu shots and others got saltwater shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the flu shot. There were no differences in terms of body aches, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for joining us tonight. Stay healthy this influenza season and for additional information visit: WWW.WPRI.COM Best, Lori