General Discussion

Aristus

(72,509 posts)

124. Good. Glad to hear it.

Mon Dec 16, 2019, 12:11 PM

Dec 2019

I have seen some providers, MD's even, wildly misdiagnose and treat patients. I had a patient not long ago following up on a visit with one of my colleagues. She had been treated with antibiotics, prednisone, and an albuterol inhaler for a respiratory infection. I read the chart note, and didn't see anything on it that would seem to indicate the need for such treatment. The history and exam pointed toward a garden-variety cold, for which only symptomatic treatment would be required.

I can understand the desire to prescribe certain treatments in the absence of clear-cut evidence, 'just to be safe'. But not all treatments are easily tolerable by patients, and prescribing 'just to be safe' can be detrimental to the patient. It's called defensive medicine.

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My anti-vaxxer in-laws didn't get their flu shots...UPDATE [View all] Coventina Dec 2019 OP

im 70 and have never had a flu shot..im not an anti vaxxer either....just the opposite. samnsara Dec 2019 #1

You're an adult and can decide what chances to take. MineralMan Dec 2019 #5

You have a strong constitution. Lucky you! chowder66 Dec 2019 #8

It's not just for you, but for others with compromised immune systems lithiumbomb Dec 2019 #9

Actually, it's a myth that you can carry the virus PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #26

That doesn't say what you apparently think it does. TwilightZone Dec 2019 #30

I think this sentence is unambiguous PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #34

Many people do "knowingly go to work sick" because they don't get sick leave... Beartracks Dec 2019 #61

So you give them a pass, but not someone who never gets sick PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #62

Hey, I was just elaborating on an obvious situation, not defending a position. :) Beartracks Dec 2019 #66

That's not what your source says, nor is it the last say in the matter Major Nikon Dec 2019 #103

You can be infectious Aussie105 Dec 2019 #105

You are citing a study that condridicts what you are saying. Please reread it carefully and slowly. olegramps Dec 2019 #143

As someone with a rare autoimmune disease, I must say thank you for saying that. greatauntoftriplets Dec 2019 #38

Exactly! Rebl2 Dec 2019 #56

get vaccinated if eligible AlexSFCA Dec 2019 #10

Thank you for using the words 'if eligible.' Dem2theMax Dec 2019 #27

Only the nasal spray version of the vaccine is "live". eggplant Dec 2019 #71

My doctors will not allow me to have ANY flu vaccines. Dem2theMax Dec 2019 #78

I'm not suggesting that you should get the shot. eggplant Dec 2019 #96

Thank you. I appreciate that very much. Dem2theMax Dec 2019 #98

I heard an expert of NPR just yesterday reiterating that none of the vaccines contain live virus. Laffy Kat Dec 2019 #106

That's not what the CDC says. Do a Google search. Dem2theMax Dec 2019 #162

You can't get the flu from the shot - but you can still get the flu esp older people - from CDC womanofthehills Dec 2019 #180

There are plenty who cannot get the shot eilen Dec 2019 #126

I'm also on a biologic and I got the flu shot with no problems. Frustratedlady Dec 2019 #177

But you can still be a carrier blaze Dec 2019 #11

You are going to become increasingly vulnerable to influenza Aristus Dec 2019 #25

Aristus, what say you about the shingles inoculation(s)? ailsagirl Dec 2019 #64

The same thing I say about every safe, effective vaccine intended to prevent Aristus Dec 2019 #67

Know this DENVERPOPS Dec 2019 #159

Had both shingle shots...only pain was the local area where the shot occurred on both shots. spanone Dec 2019 #169

The pneumonia shot made my arm itchy, red, swollen, and hot shoulder to elbow for about a week. woodsprite Dec 2019 #69

Despite the discomfort, I always feel virtuous after getting a shot! ailsagirl Dec 2019 #72

I had shingles about 10 years ago mcar Dec 2019 #79

They told me the same, although woodsprite Dec 2019 #82

Post-herpetic neuralgia. Yeah, I understand it's not a lot of fun. Aristus Dec 2019 #93

I know you didn't ask me, but get the Shingrix vaccine AllyCat Dec 2019 #99

So glad you brought up The Shingles Vacine Farmer-Rick Dec 2019 #123

Good for you! That itching is nothing compared to a shingles outbreak. Believe me--I know. catbyte Dec 2019 #167

how is that "just the opposite", you refuse the vaccine, why? Demonaut Dec 2019 #28

You have just been lucky ashredux Dec 2019 #43

You are lucky. A lot of people can not afford to stay home and away from others if they get LiberalArkie Dec 2019 #45

Not smart Rebl2 Dec 2019 #51

You are playing with fire. And the older you get, the more risk you are assuming. Cousin Dupree Dec 2019 #54

It's a catch 22 - because older people are not as protected by the flu shot as the young womanofthehills Dec 2019 #190

"just the opposite" jpak Dec 2019 #65

Why do you always say no? Iggo Dec 2019 #74

Why not?? Nt USALiberal Dec 2019 #115

Does your hubby take one? shanti Dec 2019 #150

same here Brainstormy Dec 2019 #168

I do have concerns about babies and pre-natal scheduling, but Backseat Driver Dec 2019 #2

I have concerns also. Oppaloopa Dec 2019 #116

I got the Hong Kong flu many years ago, and I've never been that sick, The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #3

Me too and I feel the same way. I get my shots. yardwork Dec 2019 #13

I was without insurance last October Ohiogal Dec 2019 #39

Me too, back in 69. tavernier Dec 2019 #112

Wow! How Unfortunate! MineralMan Dec 2019 #4

Maybe next year, abduct them and march them to a place for vaccs! Karadeniz Dec 2019 #6

Flu and pneumonia are big killers of old people. I get a flu shot comradebillyboy Dec 2019 #7

They're almost THE killers of old people. coti Dec 2019 #16

I'm not that old (mid-50's) but I went for an annual checkup a little over a month ago smirkymonkey Dec 2019 #22

Yep. My MD calls and tells me that they have a shot I need and I march down to get it. I have asthma LiberalArkie Dec 2019 #47

Except in the 1917 epidemic, where oddly enough, the elderly died less than the young adults. cwydro Dec 2019 #85

That particular strain tended to cause cytokine storms, The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #87

An awful epidemic. I think theories now tie it to WW1. cwydro Dec 2019 #88

One reason it affected so many people around the world The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #90

I think I read somewhere DENVERPOPS Dec 2019 #161

I trust my Doctor. True Blue American Dec 2019 #101

Call around for the shingles shot Major Nikon Dec 2019 #135

Pretty normal here True Blue American Dec 2019 #139

Both my kids work at different pharmacies Major Nikon Dec 2019 #141

If you've ever had the real flu, not what most people call the flu, you'll get your shot every year. lindysalsagal Dec 2019 #12

And the effects can last for months. yardwork Dec 2019 #15

Wow. Tragic. lindysalsagal Dec 2019 #70

Exactly this. I remember crawling feebly to the bathroom on my hands and knees The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #18

Last time I got the flu I was afraid I was going to die Major Nikon Dec 2019 #136

Exactly. THAT's the real flu. lindysalsagal Dec 2019 #142

The lesson learned was always keep antipyretic drugs with you when traveling Major Nikon Dec 2019 #146

That's assuming you would have had the strength to get the bottle open The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #151

True Major Nikon Dec 2019 #153

Yes,it does. No exaggeration. lindysalsagal Dec 2019 #183

Be careful of meningitis, also. nt coti Dec 2019 #23

TRUTH! Most people don't have a clue of what it really is. BamaRefugee Dec 2019 #35

+1,000,000 Auggie Dec 2019 #36

The best description ever of the effects of flu - and funny as hell csziggy Dec 2019 #41

lol! lindysalsagal Dec 2019 #68

Has anyone ever had True Blue American Dec 2019 #148

Those anti-nausea pills shanti Dec 2019 #152

All they did True Blue American Dec 2019 #154

That is exactly how the real flu is. stage left Dec 2019 #50

I got the flu and got so dehydrated that I went into kidney failure. Thankfully hospitalization Cousin Dupree Dec 2019 #59

This Aquaria Dec 2019 #83

Damn. Straight. GaYellowDawg Dec 2019 #86

I remember the flu well eilen Dec 2019 #127

+1. I had the flu last January which turned into pneumonia. meadowlander Dec 2019 #158

Last time I had it, I didn't sleep for 2 days from coughing NickB79 Dec 2019 #179

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes Drahthaardogs Dec 2019 #14

As long as those unvaccinated fuckers stay away from my immunosuppressed patients ismnotwasm Dec 2019 #17

I would not go near these people or allow my kids near them, period, no debate. n/t Raven Dec 2019 #19

How in the world would you know? Tipperary Dec 2019 #94

I run into people all the time who brag about it and Raven Dec 2019 #113

My god, not one person in my entire life has told me Tipperary Dec 2019 #145

You are lucky. Aside from the in-law people who are batshit crazy, Raven Dec 2019 #147

You better stay in your house then because only 37.1 % of adults got flu shot last year womanofthehills Dec 2019 #175

I am not worried, but thanks. Tipperary Dec 2019 #181

I would not want to expose children to them, especially babies. Shrike47 Dec 2019 #20

I'm baffled lambchopp59 Dec 2019 #21

If I was Putin, I'd be ramming anti-vax bullshit right down Facebookers' throats, 24/7 nt coti Dec 2019 #24

Much of it started with Andrew Wakefield. TwilightZone Dec 2019 #31

I registered donors at blood drives for 12 years. I was in hospital lobby's, schools, dorms, brewens Dec 2019 #29

Agree! True Blue American Dec 2019 #187

They're too old to be Darwin Award candidates PJMcK Dec 2019 #32

No, they're not free. That is a common misconception. Ohiogal Dec 2019 #42

Someone with health issues. PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #33

It's interesting to see how someone could fail to see a correlation Aristus Dec 2019 #46

However, people did not start getting flu shots PoindexterOglethorpe Dec 2019 #60

They are a lot easier to contain these days. Aristus Dec 2019 #63

The flu vaccine reduces mortality from the flu Major Nikon Dec 2019 #108

very true HockeyMom Dec 2019 #114

The last data point on your chart is 1992 hack89 Dec 2019 #120

Less for those who get the vaccine Major Nikon Dec 2019 #138

Decrease in mortality is attributed to invent of antibiotics Drahthaardogs Dec 2019 #164

+1...nt SidDithers Dec 2019 #111

Viruses don't care about kale. eilen Dec 2019 #129

I know. Aristus Dec 2019 #131

Who gave the lecture?... SidDithers Dec 2019 #110

Warning: do NOT get flu and pneumonia shots at the same time spooky3 Dec 2019 #37

Yea probably Rebl2 Dec 2019 #53

Same time is usually fine. The CDC does recommend different injection sites. TwilightZone Dec 2019 #55

It may be usually, or it may be the opinion of people at CDC. spooky3 Dec 2019 #73

I got them at the same time. Aquaria Dec 2019 #100

Same Here ProfessorGAC Dec 2019 #149

I did. True Blue American Dec 2019 #102

It's not necessary for 100% of people who get the shots spooky3 Dec 2019 #182

My family Doctor True Blue American Dec 2019 #186

We know some. Mildly suspicious, paranoid traits Hortensis Dec 2019 #40

I've had the flu after the wrong virus was tageted by vax producers several times. The last time ... marble falls Dec 2019 #44

Do they think their going to develop autism in their old age?! ToxMarz Dec 2019 #48

I'm in my 30s and get flu shots. NutmegYankee Dec 2019 #49

goes back to risk and outcome beachbumbob Dec 2019 #52

I had a pneumonia vaccine before I started chemo. TNNurse Dec 2019 #57

I have a friend who is a commercial pilot Marthe48 Dec 2019 #58

During the SARs epidemic I was on an airplane, just about to depart ORD. The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #89

There's always a good reason Marthe48 Dec 2019 #157

I get my flu shot every year to avoid issues like this Gothmog Dec 2019 #75

Ya no shit. miyazaki Dec 2019 #80

Yup, me too, usually in late September or early October. MineralMan Dec 2019 #130

I am type II diabetic and so have a compromised immune system Gothmog Dec 2019 #171

I'm just old and have smoked for decades. I've had the flu. MineralMan Dec 2019 #174

Very possible I don't "need" them. Amimnoch Dec 2019 #76

Anti vaxxers don't realize that they're affected by their own bullshit too. Initech Dec 2019 #77

Flu shots and pneumonia vaccines - even Medicare / Medicaid covers it. CousinIT Dec 2019 #81

How did this become a thing? JonLP24 Dec 2019 #84

I have no idea. When I was in the Army, every vaccine I got, I thought Aristus Dec 2019 #92

Better take a lot of Elecampane to clean out those lungs. TheBlackAdder Dec 2019 #91

Oh no. I hope they recover soon. Tipperary Dec 2019 #95

You're a lone voice in this thread, Tipperary, and a kind one. I share your sentiments. Squinch Dec 2019 #109

In my experience anti-vaxxers are as immune to reason as Trump cultists. Sea Glass Dec 2019 #97

I caught . . . Aussie105 Dec 2019 #104

How do you know where you caught CMV? Laffy Kat Dec 2019 #107

Why? lark Dec 2019 #117

Oh, good to know. I'm a bit young for the pneumonia shot but I might push it with my doctor Farmer-Rick Dec 2019 #125

I have asthma. I always get a flu shot every fall. Texin Dec 2019 #118

Yes get the flu shot Nonhlanhla Dec 2019 #119

So, the Rapid Influenza A&B clinic test was positive? Aristus Dec 2019 #121

Yes, the nasal test was positive Nonhlanhla Dec 2019 #122

Good. Glad to hear it. Aristus Dec 2019 #124

I get the shot... boomer_wv Dec 2019 #128

They continue to work on that universal flu vaccine. MineralMan Dec 2019 #132

I would replace 'ridiculously ineffective' with 'at the very least, partially effective'. Aristus Dec 2019 #133

There's three things to consider Major Nikon Dec 2019 #140

My wife and I never get the flu shot, nor do KPN Dec 2019 #134

There will always be people who have valid medical reasons for not getting a vaccine The Velveteen Ocelot Dec 2019 #144

I got my flu shot today - Guillaine-Barre Syndrome was a question on the screening form. hack89 Dec 2019 #156

Wow. I didn't know that. To me, that's good news. KPN Dec 2019 #176

Vaccine Injury Compensation Program for people who get Guillaine-Barre Syndrome womanofthehills Dec 2019 #178

Good to know that there's some recognition and KPN Dec 2019 #184

There are some legitimate concerns especially for immune compromised people womanofthehills Dec 2019 #189

I get a free flu shot and oswaldactedalone Dec 2019 #137

adunt flu shot and child vaccines are two different things garybeck Dec 2019 #155

The reason they didn't get the flu shot is because they are anti-vaxxers Coventina Dec 2019 #160

The anti-vaxx supporters, knowing they're full of shit, but too stupid to pack it in, Aristus Dec 2019 #173

all of the anti-vaxxers DENVERPOPS Dec 2019 #163

The idiocy of anti-vaxxers is just another hip trend... LanternWaste Dec 2019 #165

I was remiss in getting a flu shot for the past 2 years. Luckily, I didn't get sick, catbyte Dec 2019 #166

That's risky Jerrika Dec 2019 #170

welcome to DU gopiscrap Dec 2019 #188

Well bless their hearts. MoonRiver Dec 2019 #172

I hope they heal fully. herding cats Dec 2019 #185