Just when you thought flu season was winding down, the CDC issues a warning of a possible second wave. And this late-season flu strain can be particularly tough on children.
We invited our social media followers to ask Dr. Nandi questions and we got quite a few good ones. Katie Pacek from Howell MI asks, “How effective is the flu shot likely to be against this wave?”
This year’s flu season has been very rough. An Influenza A strain has been the main virus and the CDC estimated the flu shot to be only 25% effective against H3N2.
But for this potential second wave of Influenza B, the CDC is estimating the flu vaccine to be about 42% effective. So to answer Katie’s question, yes, the flu shot will help and thankfully, this virus typically responds better to vaccines.
Another Facebook fan, Ronald H Griffin from West Bloomfield Township is asking, “Does the flu shot raise your blood pressure or change any other vital organs if shot is administered?”
I often hear a lot of things blamed on the flu shot but I’m sorry Ron, if your blood pressure rises it’s not because of the flu vaccine.
There are many factors that can affect blood pressure like exercise, caffeine, being sick or in pain or taking over-the-counter cold or flu drugs. Also blood pressure changes based on the time of day. It’s typically lower at night, rises during the day and peaks mid-afternoon.
As for vital organs, the flu shot shouldn’t affect them either. The vaccine does have side effects which are typically mild and short-lasting like soreness, low-grade fever and aches.
Our last social media comment comes from Sara Erzen from Birch Run, MI. She says, “I’m not sure at what point I cave & see a doc. I’m on day 10!”
I feel for you Sara and hope you get better soon. Most people recover from the flu in 5 to 7 days but it can take two weeks. You should see a doctor if you’re having trouble breathing, experiencing chest pain, wheezing, if your fever lasts more than 3 days or if your symptoms are just not going away.
It’s also important to see a doctor if you’re over 65 years of age, have medical conditions like asthma or heart disease or if you have a child that’s sick under the age of 5.
