We wanted to give you a little Lagniappe as we say in South Louisiana so while Kiran is beating the pavement getting you details on some breaking news, Daniel Brown and Katherine Read got the details on what seems like the worst flu season in a while and they sought out an expert!

Dr. Ruben Patel, the founder of Patient Plus, joined Daniel and Katherine to shed light on the reasons behind the harsh flu season.

Factors such as the absence of outstanding previous flu seasons, potential and vaccine fatigue seem to be leading to reduced vaccination rates, and increased socialization all contributed to the heightened prevalence of the flu according to Dr. Patel.

Dr. Patel emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated and debunked common myths, such as getting the flu from the vaccine itself. "Although the effectiveness of this year's vaccine is yet to be determined, it can significantly reduce the impact of the flu, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions" he said.

He is seeing an increase in both flu A and flu B cases this year. Symptoms of this year's flu variant include fever, chills, fatigue, malaise, runny nose, and headache. Children are being heavily impacted by the flu due to their less developed immune systems and increased exposure to other children. Dr. Patel recommends to get the flu vaccine in October, although it's never too late to get it. The flu season is expected to continue into January and possibly beyond.

As we approach the holidays and Mardi Gras, we discuss staying healthy and preventing the spread of viruses. Dr. Patel say's It's essential to wash hands, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home if you're sick. Rest, fluids, and staying home are the best remedies for the flu, and antiviral medications like Tamiflu can help if taken within 48-72 hours of symptoms. He also recommends avoiding what he stated is "over-prescribing antibiotics" for viral illnesses like colds and sinus infections to prevent antibiotic resistance. Pneumonia can be bacterial and can be diagnosed through symptoms and an x-ray.

We also discuss the spread of RSV, a common virus in young children, and its varying symptoms' severity. Dr. Patel noted that it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, especially if there is a fever or unexplained illness. Precautions such as washing hands, rest, and staying away from gatherings when feeling sick can help prevent the spread of illnesses. Especially when attending super-spreading events like Mardi Gras.

Dr. Patel also stated the importantace of having essential medications in your medicine cabinet, such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, anti-allergy medicine, decongestants, and cough medication, but to always consult with your doctor for specific needs.

Let's hope this flu season ends soon, especially with Mardi Gras season approaching. Stay healthy, everyone!

Chapters:
0:02:00 Factors contributing to a bad flu season
0:04:18 The effectiveness of the flu vaccine explained
0:06:01 Duration and variants of the flu this year
0:08:31 Symptoms and Impact of the Flu on Children
0:17:37 Antibiotics vs. Over-the-counter Medication
0:19:26 The dangers of overusing Z-Pak antibiotics
0:21:13 Differentiating between viral and bacterial illnesses
0:23:06 Examples of bacterial respiratory diseases that may require antibiotics
0:25:28 RSV vaccine recommendation for older adults
0:26:59 Special care for infants with respiratory infections
0:29:29 Other illnesses circulating in Baton Rouge
0:32:25 Myths and Misconceptions about Viruses and Colds
0:34:25 Closing Remarks and Checking with Your Doctor

Tags:
#louisianaunfiltered #mardigras #fluandcoldseason #kiranchawla #podcast #vaccination #virus #flu

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