What a Doctor Has to Say About Fighting the Flu
Awareness and education are a must.
— -- With flu season in full swing, Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News chief health and medical editor, says awareness and education about the virus is a must. Flu can be more than an inconvenience, leading to as many as 35,000 deaths a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Early this week, Besser, along with the CDC, led a Twitter chat on everything you need to know about treating and preventing the flu. Top doctors from around the country shared their advice on the best way to fight the flu.
Check out the highlights below.
What’s the current flu status in the country? What type, and where?
Why do we care about the flu, and what is the impact each year?
Who is at greatest risk of getting the flu? What population is at risk of bad outcomes?
How do you know if you have the flu? Who should get tested?
Who should get treated with antivirals like Tamiflu, and do they really make a difference?
How effective is the flu vaccine usually? What is the difference this year?
What are the different vaccine options? Is it too late to get vaccinated?
How can you reduce your chances of getting sick?
Apart from antivirals, what can you do at home to manage the flu?