NetWellness Cold and Flu

Flu Shots for Obese & Elderly

John Andrews MD, MPH — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:10:00 EST

Question: I heard on the news today that flu shots are not as effective in the obese and the elderly.

I am obese and going on 60 y.o. Does that mean that I might as well not have a flu shot because it wouldn`t be as effective for me as it is for younger and thinner people?

I am generally . . .

Answer: Although the flu shots may not be 100% effective for any group of people, they are thought to make the chances of getting influenza less. In those situations where the vaccine does not completely prevent the flu, most times the vaccine makes the flu symptoms less severe. Ask your physician what he . . .

Ask an Expert: John Andrews MD, MPH, Cold and Flu

Sore nose

NetWellness Staff . — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:10:00 EST

Question: Why is my nostril hard and sore? My right nostril is quite hard and sore. I`ve been stuffed up for days, in addition to having a sore throat. I`m afraid that I have a staph infection because my right nostril is hard and sore but there is no obvious culprit (pimple, etc.). Also, the soreness is not f . . .

Answer:
Thank you for visiting NetWellness. On this site, NetWellness experts try to answer general questions about health. Only a health professional performing a thorough clinical exam is able to evaluate your symptoms. However, NetWellness may have some general information available that you can . . .

Ask an Expert: NetWellness Staff ., Cold and Flu

Flu shots for 2011/2012

John Andrews MD, MPH — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:08:00 EST

Question: Every year I get the flu shot. Last year I went to the doctor twice and he told me that I had the flu and bronchitis. I had to go back to him again the last time I had the flu and he had to give me another round of antibiotics. I am taking immunesurpressents.

I think that last time I ha . . .

Answer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive an annual influenza (flu) vaccination. You should get a flu shot this year, especially since you would be considered to be at higher risk of having complications from an influenza infection bec . . .

Ask an Expert: John Andrews MD, MPH, Cold and Flu

H1N1 Shot

Amy Ray MD — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:08:00 EST

Question: Last fall I got the H1N1 and regular flu shot. I know that I have to get the flu shot every year. Do I need to get any shot this year for the H1N1?

Answer: It is important to receive annual influenza vaccine. Each year, the vaccine confers protection against 3 strains of influenza based upon patterns of circulating flu viruses worldwide.

For the 2010-2011 season, the regular seasonal flu vaccine contains H1N1 2009 since the virus is anticip . . .

Ask an Expert: Amy Ray MD, Cold and Flu

Baby With Flu

NetWellness Staff . — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:07:00 EST

Question: My 1 year old daughter has the flu and she has really high fever(102 degrees). We took her to the doctor and he said she would get high fever but we are getting worried that it may be to high for her. What should we do?

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. On this site, NetWellness experts try to answer general questions about health. Only a health professional performing a thorough clinical exam is able to evaluate your symptoms. However, NetWellness may have some general information available that you can access t . . .

Ask an Expert: NetWellness Staff ., Cold and Flu

Erythromycin

NetWellness Staff . — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:04:00 EST

Question: I have been prescribed the above in tablet form (250mg) for a chest infection and am allergic to penicillin is it safe to take this medication

Answer: Thank you for visiting NetWellness. A question similar to yours has been previously addressed. The link below will connect you to that information. NetWellness may also have some general information available that you can access through our