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Answers to Your Questions about the Flu
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Einstein Healthcare Network
1:06
Hi Richard. I would suggest contacting your primary care physician to see if they have it or can write you a prescription for it. Otherwise your local pharmacy may also be able to provide it for you.
Sue Newmar
1:06
I had an abnormal reaction to both the flu shot and the pneumonia shot (given 2 months apart) . My arm from the shoulder almost to the elbow was very very red and extremely hot. It took about four of five days to clear up.
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:07
Hi Sue. Sorry to hear about that. Was this the first time you received the flu shot? If so an allergist may be able to help you determine if this was an allergic reaction.
debra glover
1:08
Why is it that I still get flu like symptoms after I have received the flu shot?  I ache all over I have a fever, I have  terrible congestion I'm dizzy , weak  most of the time I'm in bed for at least a week. Why is that If I have gotten the flu shot?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:10
Hi Debra great question and one that we hear very frequently. Unfortunately there are many viruses that circulate and cause infections around the same time of flu season so it is not uncommon to get a respiratory infection during flu season. Also, while the flu shot does decrease the chances of getting ill, it doesn't eliminate it so you can still get sick. The chances are lower, and typically the illness less severe so we still recommend everyone get the flu vaccine every year.
CH Philly
1:10
Can/should pregnant women receive a flu shot? Are there risks?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:11
Hi CH Philly. Yes pregnant women should receive a flu shot. Pregnant women are at higher risk for complications and the flu shot can reduce this risk. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get the flu shot.
There have not been any definitive evidence of increased risk of flu vaccine during pregnancy.
J5þohn R
1:14
Do you prescribe Tamiflu to otherwise healthy adult patients that contract the flu in the 1st 48 hours or recommend they ride it out with fluids, rest & tylenol or ibuprofen like other viral illnesses?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:16
Yes if you have had symptoms for less than 48 hours, Tamiflu can reduce the duration of symptoms so we do recommend it. This benefit is greater for those who have other medical conditions that put them at risk for complications.
Bonnie
1:17
I had a bad cold, cough , low grade fever a few weeks ago but still have phlegm (light color mucous) when I still cough what Can I take to help that mucous go away? I am waiting to get the flu shot since I already had that bad cold.
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:18
Hi Bonnie. You can try over the counter cough syrups or lozenges, but unfortunately it may take some time for the cough to completely resolve. Hope you feel better soon.
Rich
1:20
Can Tamiflu be taken for bad colds also.....does it need an Rx?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:21
Hi Rich. Unfortunately Tamiflu is only active against the influenza virus. It does not have any activity against any of the other respiratory viruses. Yes it does require a prescription from your doctor.
Mel
1:22
Why do some get sick and some people don't after getting the flu shot?
Einstein Healthcare Network
1:23
Hi Mel, great question!! It likely has to do with which strain of influenza a person was exposed to, since there are several different strains that circulate during flu season. Also what type of exposure someone has also influences whether they get sick. Someone who's exposed to a sick person for an extended period of time has a higher risk of getting sick compared to someone who was only exposed for a short period of time.
1:24
Thanks everyone for a great chat!! Enjoyed answering all of your influenza related questions.
Thank you to everyone for joining us today.  

To receive a flu shot or learn more about the flu, call 1-800-Einstein or visit our website at http://einstein.edu. To learn more about Einstein Healthcare Network’s primary care services, visit http://einstein.edu/primary-care.

The information contained in this chat is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Einstein has a talented team of primary physicians and specialists who you can contact or make an appointment to see to discuss your specific medical problems; but most importantly, you must always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in this chat should be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
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