"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
Well….we think we’ve got it! Just like Brophy in HIGH ANXIETY, the Mel Brooks Classic. We think we’ve got the right flu shot mix this year. Last year, due to poor selection of the viruses in the flu shot, we saw only a 20% effectiveness rating for last year preventive, compared to a 60-80% effectiveness …
The flu vaccine this year is a rather poor match for the current strain circulating in the U.S. this year, making the flu shot less effective. The H3 strain of flu this year is different than the one in the vaccine provided for the 2014-2015 flu season. If you have had the flu shot, then …
The flu vaccine has a long history of production in chicken eggs and as a result, patients who have reported egg allergies are told to avoid the influenza vaccine. That issue has been resolved with the development of a genetically engineered flu vaccine that does not use eggs in it’s production. FLUBLOK is that flu …
There is lots of information available on the flu in Arizona and around the country, and if you are on-line a lot, like I am , it’s easy to avail yourself of this information. First, I recommend our Twitter Feed and look for the BUGS IN TOWN report…that reports what we are seeing in the …
Relax…..and early flu case has been noted and is Influenza Type B. This is the least common of the flu types and may not indicate an early season this year as there are occosional cases of flu seen sporadically. We’ll keep you posted on our website and with our Twitter Report…Bugs In Town. When we …
Read More “FIRST CASE OF FLU THIS SEASON IN ARIZONA…BUT NO NEED TO PANIC”
Dr Lakin, I read about new types of flu shots. What do you recommend for me? Ivy Dear Ivy; It used to be simple to get the flu shot…there was only one type and everyone was to get the same one. Now, there are multiple options and it’s a bit confusing, so I’d like …
Read More “A PATIENT ASKS…WHICH FLU SHOT TO GET? OVER 65 IT’S THE HIGH DOSE, TRIVALENT”
We have a lot of Podcast information for those who are interested, on Podomatic. Now, I am resuming with new Podcasts and you can hear the latest one I’ve done on the upcoming 2013 flu season RIGHT HERE! Keep looking for updates on a regular basis, to hear the latest from Doctor Doug.
The influenza outbreak this year has been heavy the past few weeks, with the largest group of sick patients we’ve seen in a few years, at least at one point in time. The good news, is that it appears to be waning. That is what we’ve seen in the office, and that is what is …
The flu is widespread throughout the country and in Arizona. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm In the past two weeks we have seen more flu, in one compressed timeframe, than at any other time in my career. The said, the flu is milder than in years past. We have sent ‘ZERO’ people from the office, to the hospital …
Based on the latest flu data reports from the state, Arizona is beginning it’s flu season. It is starting slowly, but currently resembles the 2010-2011 season, which peaked in February. We know that this year’s flu shot is ‘right on’ and will cover much of the flu-strain that is out in the community, so I …
Flu continues to decline in Arizona, but there are still a few cases. We are above the ‘background’ levels, but in 4-6 weeks, we will be back to the baseline, without flu The Valley. So….there are still a few cases of flu out there. Be in touch if you feel fluey!
Arizona Flu Season is in full swing. Numbers of cases are increasing steadily. Washing hands and avoiding unecessary ‘pecks on the cheek’ is appropriate until the flu is waning. Keep posted on my Twitter Feed (at www.doctordoug.com)