NSBR: Moms, what would you ask a doc about colds/flu

[mives121]

Ok, I'm writing an article for a local magazine and I'm going to be interviewing doctors about the differences between a cold and the flu. As moms, what else would you like to know? I'd appreciate your input. And I'll let you know my findings.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[angedawn]

Oh, I have one... they say if you are coming down with the "flu" you should get into your doctor quickly to get on those meds like Tamiflu... but how do you "know" it's the flu early on? Are there any signs of "surely this is the flu" that hit early?

Oh, and can kids take those Tamiflu drugs?

Also, once the cold/flu has subsided, when should you send them back to school, or let them be around others?

[Theresa Hernandez]

I'd also ask how the immune system works. Like once you get a cold, can you get it again? I know the answer is that it has to be a different strain, but I totally didn't know that before.

[Kathy Moore]

Ange, kids can take the tamiflu drugs, they were prescribed to Bailey a couple of years ago, but there was a shortage. However, Melissa, many people probably don't know that so that's a good question. I always wonder when it's too late to get a flu shot...I mean, when has the danger pretty much passed?

[mives121]

These are all great questions! Thanks so much! Since I'm not a mom myself, it really helps to get a mom's perspective when interviewing doctors for my story.

Anyone else?

[DistressedDiva]

What about getting the flu shot! Isn't there a different shot for babies and kids now? different from the adult flu shot?

[shupe]

Along the flu shot line, how about the advantage or disadvantage of the nasal spray instead? I know it uses the live virus, does that make it more likely for side effects? (my kids all did the shot again this year since I wasn't sure)

[Rachel Solenberg]

amy,
the shot uses the live virus as well

[shupe]

I double checked on the CDC web site and this is what they say:

The "flu shot"—an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine—a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.