Ask a Doctor
Flu: Miserable, Serious. Flu Shots: Smart, Effective.

Jacob Moll, MD, the medical director of Occupational Medicine, warns that this year's flue season has arrived. Here's his advice about preventing and treating this disease.

The supply of flu vaccine is down by about half from last year. I'm not in one of the high-risk groups, so should I get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have asked that you not get the shot, since the vaccine will be in short supply. Remember, though, to contact your physician if you should get the flu. There are medications which, if taken early, will ease the symptoms and shorten your suffering.

People use the word "flu" loosely - what is it, exactly?

Symptoms of flu include a high fever of 100° to 103° that lasts two to four days, body aches and pains lasting five to seven days, mild to moderate headache, and a hacking cough. However, you may have the flu and not experience all these symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not flu symptoms.

Who should be vaccinated?

Children ages 6 months - 2 years should get the vaccine, both for their own benefit and to prevent spreading flu to adults. Those age 65 and over should get it, as should those who suffer from chronic illnesses or pulmonary diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Adults suffer much more from the flu, as compared to children.

Is the flu shot 100% effective in preventing the disease?

Not quite, but it reduces the severity of an attack even when it doesn't prevent it. That lessens the chance of developing the complications from flu, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal in high-risk groups.

For more information, consult your physician, call the Health Referral Service at (434) 799-WELL or toll-free at (877) 799-WELL, or find more information here on our website at http://www.danvilleregional.org/healthinfo_main.htm