"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
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 …
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.
Swine flu is just ‘flu’ in pigs. It is important because it can transfer from pigs to humans….and if that occurs, there can be lots of trouble. Why? Well….if the humans then transfer that from person to person…..we have a massive epidemic. Three years ago, H1N1 influenza (a swine subtype) had an enormous outbreak, so …
The CDC issued it’s final analysis for the flu season in the past week and they confirmed the mildest flu season in recent history. This is based on very complete data that they have been collecting since 1997. Probably, this occurred as a result of the new strain of Influenza Virus (the swine flu or …
Well….the initial statistics suggested a peak, and then decline in the flu reports in Arizona, but the latest data shows that the decline is a false hope. The flu remains in the state and is hovering at an elevated level. It is showing no sign of resolving itself quite yet. So…if your home is filled …
Flu season is in full swing in Arizona currently. Although fewer cases than in past years, and milder disease, it is still all around us right now. If two people in the same house have cough, fever, and sore throat….you are probably dealing with the flu. Give us a call or stop in if your …
Flu season remains strong in Arizona, but we may be peaking this week and are on the wane. The state data suggests we are reaching our zenith and if that is the case we’ll be seeing a marked decline in cases in the next week or two. Next weeks data will tell the tale, so …
Flu is on the upswing, slowly, in Arizona. That said, I have not documented a single case yet in our office. All suspected cases have tested negative. This is looking to be among the mildest of flu seasons over the past several years, but do be cautious in public and attending to washing/cleansing hands and …
Very little influenza in Arizona this past week: only 8 cases. Upper respiratory virus is waning as well and there is virtually no GI virus in town. A healthy week and we expect similar for the coming next few weeks, so feel free to get out there, be active, and be with people
Colorado is showing regional outbreaks of Influenza. This is the most in the nation currently and is the level just below ‘widespread’…the most that we register as regards flu outbreak. Do look for more cases in the near future given it’s proximity to AZ.
There have been very few documented cases of flu in Arizona and nationwide at this time. Last year, in 2010, by this time there were over 400 cases of documented flu….this year, only 5. This is a 99% decrease. That said, the flu will be here….just later. We have seen no cases of flu yet. …