People’s Pharmacy: This year’s flu vaccines may not protect against this dominant influenza virus
Q. Last weekend, I was at a party in an apartment packed with people, and two days later, symptoms of the flu came on hard and fast. Now on the fourth day, my fever, which hovered around 100.6 the whole time, has come down to 99.6. My body aches, and the coughing has made my rib cage sore.
I tested for COVID-19 and the results were negative. Yes, I’ve had every vaccination. What else could I do to ease this misery?
A. You might be suffering from influenza. Colds do not usually cause body aches. This year, the dominant influenza virus has undergone a genetic drift. The new variant is called Subclade K and flu vaccines for this year may not fully protect against it.
It is too late to take an antiviral influenza medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or baloxavir (Xofluza). These prescription drugs work best when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first symptoms. We encourage readers to invest in a rapid flu test, now available over the counter. That way, you can test at home, just as you did for COVID-19.
Q. I have nearly unbearable ear pain each time I fly. Do you have any suggestions?
A. One reader offered this solution based on personal experience: “I used to have excruciating ear pain on flights. But since I discovered EarPlanes, I don’t have any more issues. I put them in before takeoff and take them out upon reaching altitude. When we begin descent for landing, I put them back in. No more pain.
It is inconvenient, as I would rather use my earbuds to listen to music, but it works!”
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”
