Why do we care about the flu, and what is the impact each year?

T2 Summ: Flu kills (thousands each yr). Flu hospitalizes (~200,000 per yr). Flu leads to absenteeism at work/school. Flu costs #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

Who is at greatest risk of getting the flu? What population is at risk of bad outcomes?

T3 Summ: Those at greatest risk for severe flu: elderly, very young, pregnant women, those w/ medical/immune problems. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

How do you know if you have the flu? Who should get tested?

T4 Summ: Flu more likely to give fever and bodyaches than a cold. Call doctor early to see if they want to see you or treat. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

Who should get treated with antivirals like Tamiflu, and do they really make a difference?

T5 Summ: Antivirals recommended for those at high risk of severe flu, anyone hospitalized w/ flu. Start early for best effect. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

How effective is the flu vaccine usually? What is the difference this year?

T6 Summ: In good yr, vaccine ~60-70% effective. This yr bad match. Virus mutated. Don't know yet how effective. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

What are the different vaccine options? Is it too late to get vaccinated?

T7 Summ: Not too late to get vaccinated. Lots of options: intranasal, regular, microneedle, recombinant, high dose. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

How can you reduce your chances of getting sick?

T8 Summ: good hand-washing, cover coughs/sneezes, make sure school/workplace has good stay home when sick policies. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015

Apart from antivirals, what can you do at home to manage the flu?

T9 Summ: Drink plenty of liquids, acetaminophen/ibuprofen for fever, plenty of sleep, throat lozenges. #abcdrbchat

— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) January 13, 2015
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