Wednesday, December 05, 2018

CCH_The Flu Season Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2018-2019 Influenza Season

 Influenza FLU

Frequently Asked Flu Questions 2018-2019 Influenza Season

Most common Dialogues I hear in my clinic

"I took flu vaccine and got the flu" I am never going to take flu vaccine  ever again.
Is it better to get the flu than the flu vaccine?

No. Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness to obtain immune protection.

I have the  flu just give me  a script for Tamiflu( or other  brand names 
Oseltamivir2 — generic Tamiflu (Genentech) Zanamivir2.' — Relenza (GSK) 30, 45, 7 200 mg,' Baloxavir marboxil — Xofluza (Shionogi/Genentech) 20.40mg

Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines


A common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups.
Very common More than 3 million US cases per year
 Spreads easily Partly preventable by vaccine
 Usually self-treatable Usually
 self-diagnosable
Lab tests or imaging rarely required
Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
 The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat.
 Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk
. Symptoms include
 fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

The flu is treated primarily with rest and fluid to let the body fight the infection on its own.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers may help with symptoms.
An annual  Flu vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.

 How it spreads
 By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).
 By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs). By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).
 By touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob).

1 of 3 People may experience: Pain areas: in the muscles
Cough: can be dry or with phlegm
Whole body: chills, dehydration, fatigue, fever, flushing, loss of appetite, or sweating
Nasal: congestion, runny nose, or sneezing Also common: body ache, chest discomfort, head congestion, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes

 Supportive care
 Fluid replacement: Supplies or replenishes water and nutrients in the body.
Self-care Bed rest: Reducing activity for a short period of time following injury or illness to promote healing.
 Throat lozenge: Soothes sore throats. Medications
 Decongestant: Relieves nasal congestion, swelling, and runny nose. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, SudoGest, Valu-Tapp Decongestant, Children's Silfedrine, and Sinus 12 Hour)
Cough medicine: Blocks the cough reflex. Some may thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Q-Tussin, Wal-Tussin, Chest Congestion Relief, and Cough Control (guaifenesin)) Dextromethorphan (Wal-Tussin Cough, Creomulsion Adult Formula, Vicks DayQuil Cough, Children's Cough DM ER, and Tussin Cough (DM only))
 Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drug: Relieves pain, decreases inflammation, and reduces fever. Ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Profen IB, Children's Ibu-Drops, I-Prin, and Motrin IB) Analgesic: Relieves pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Mapap, Feverall, Acephen, and Nortemp)

 Antiviral drug: Reduces viruses' ability to replicate. Zanamivir (Relenza Diskhaler) Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Peramivir (Rapivab)

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
FROM
ISSUE
1561 December 3, 2018
Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza) for Treatment of Influenza

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Dec 3;60(1561):193-6
The FDA has approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza – Shionogi/Genentech), the first polymerase acidic (PA) endonuclease inhibitor, for single-dose, oral treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients ≥12 years old. Baloxavir is the first drug with a new mechanism of action to be approved for treatment of influenza in almost 20 years.
cost ~150$ treatment  2 tabs


Consult a doctor for medical advice Treatments

 Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn't apply to everyone. This information isn't medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately. Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more www.google.com/search?q=Flu September 11, 2017 Page 3 of 3


"Peramivir (Rapivab): An IV Neuraminidase Inhibitor for Treatment of Influenza

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Feb 2;57(1461):17-9
The FDA has approved peramivir (Rapivab – BioCryst), an IV neuraminidase inhibitor administered as a single dose, for treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients ≥18 years old who have had symptoms for no more than 2 days. Peramivir was available temporarily in the US during the 2009-2010 influenza season under an emergency use authorization for treatment of hospitalized patients. It has been available in some Asian countries since 2010. Peramivir is the third neuraminidase inhibitor to be approved in the US. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is taken orally, and zanamivir (Relenza), which is inhaled, are approved for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza in children and adults"

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