Last year, more than 80,000 people died of the flu and its complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This statistic is especially concerning for those with chronic health conditions like diabetes, who are considered “high risk.” I encourage all my patients to get the flu shot each year. But my … Continue reading Why people with diabetes are at high risk for the flu
Influenza and heart attack are things we don’t normally associate together, but the two are more connected than you might think. A recent study found that a person’s chances of having a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, increase significantly after a flu diagnosis. In the study, people who had been diagnosed with the flu in … Continue reading How the flu increases your risk of heart attack
Have you ever hesitated to get the flu shot? Maybe because you didn’t have the time, or thought you were invincible to catching the virus? As flu season is upon us once again, there’s something you need to know: Getting a flu shot isn’t all about you. It’s also about the people who are unable … Continue reading Herd immunity: Why getting the flu shot isn’t all about you
It’s that time of year again. The weather cools (in theory), the smell of pumpkin spice latte is in the air and the many strands of influenza stretch their legs and begin infecting my sweet, unsuspecting patients. There’s a lot of information out there on how to avoid the flu, but I am here to tell … Continue reading What to do (and not to do) when you have the flu
The flu can attack anyone, but some people are more susceptible to the virus than others. As physicians, we believe it is important that you know your risks and how to prevent the flu before it gets you. Who’s Susceptible? Those at higher risk for developing influenza are residents in nursing homes and long-term care … Continue reading Who is most susceptible to the flu?
It’s that time of year again, when we’re all being urged to get our flu shots. Many moms-to-be often ask me whether it’s safe for them to get vaccinated. The answer is yes, it is safe, and it’s strongly recommended no matter where you are in your pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to get … Continue reading Should pregnant women get the flu shot?
In a matter of days, you’ve succumbed to all of the typical flu symptoms – fever, chills, body aches and a cough that just won’t let up. But what you don’t know is that your cough is really an infection and you are getting sicker by the day. While many people who experience the flu … Continue reading Severe flu patients turn to ECMO as last lifeline
During flu season, parents are often on high alert. As we all know, children are notorious for contracting and spreading infections. Children like to touch, lick and eat almost everything they come in contact with — especially when parents aren’t watching. Here are some tips to help you and your family minimize your risk of … Continue reading 5 ways to reduce your child’s chances of getting the flu, measles
There are early indications that this year’s flu season could be severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s largely because the variants of the flu virus that many patients are catching are different from this season’s vaccine virus, the CDC says. Says the CDC: So far this year, seasonal influenza A H3N2 viruses have been … Continue reading 5 flu and vaccine facts you need to know
Physicians affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Health are expressing concerns that the recent wave of hysteria over the Ebola virus might overshadow the flu, which they say remains a serious public health threat. Roger Khetan, MD, said in an interview with WFAA-TV (Channel 8) this week, that he has seen a spike in flu cases in the … Continue reading Ebola gets headlines, but flu should remain top concern
