In partnership with NFID (@NFIDvaccines) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) influenza division (@CDCFlu), Richard Besser, MD chief health and medical editor at ABC News (@abcDrBchat), hosted a live tweet chat on influenza (flu) prevention on September 29, 2015 (using hashtag #abcDrBchat.) Scheduled to coincide with the start of flu season in the US, the chat provided an opportunity for individuals to ask questions around flu, flu vaccines, and other prevention strategies. Participating medical experts encouraged everyone six months and older to get vaccinated annually to help #FightFlu.
Highlights from the Twitter chat included the following:
It’s #flu prevention season. Join me Tues 1PM ET for #abcDrBchat on #flu. We’ll talk about vaccines and much more. pic.twitter.com/IJPP7sFSfT
— #Richard Besser (@DrRichardBesser) September 28, 2015
The chat began with a focus on the impact that flu has each season…
T1 Each year, on average, 5% to 20% of the US population gets the flu & > 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications #abcDrBchat
— American Academy of Pediatrics (@AmerAcadPeds) September 29, 2015
T1 Last #flu season 145 children died & the majority of these were unvaccinated. We can, and should, strive to do better! #abcDRBchat
— Amy Pisani, VYF Exec Dir (@VaxYourFamily) September 29, 2015
Follow on discussion topics included the importance of getting an annual flu vaccine, when and who should get vaccinated, and the importance of practicing healthy habits to prevent the spread of flu…
T2: What can parents, daycare providers, schools do to help prevent spread of flu? How can adults stop spread in workplace? #abcDrBchat
— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) September 29, 2015
T2 Keep the flu to yourself! Help prevent the spread of flu by staying home when sick http://t.co/rVf7KDUB7H #abcdrbchat
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) September 29, 2015
T4: It takes 2 weeks to be protected after #vaccination. #GetVaccinated now to #FightFlu#abcdrbchatpic.twitter.com/oitIsb8K4q
— NFID (@NFIDvaccines) September 29, 2015
Already got my flu vax! Ethical, just & necessary for ALL healthcare workers: https://t.co/Gyamy8xqVx #abcdrbchat
— WendySueSwanson MD (@SeattleMamaDoc) September 29, 2015
Information was shared about the various flu vaccine options available this year…
T5: Kids age 2+ can get the nasal spray vaccine instead. Here’s some info ➡️ http://t.co/gpCVUSBGG3 #abcdrbchat https://t.co/3QJB6ZPCvE
— Cleveland Clinic (@ClevelandClinic) September 29, 2015
Common concerns about flu vaccines were addressed…
T6 Summ: There are different degrees/types of egg allergies. Depending on your type, there is a flu vaccine for you. #abcdrbchat
— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) September 29, 2015
T7: Thimerosal prevents germs (e.g. bacteria & fungi) from growing inside them. This keeps #fluvax safe http://t.co/Sa6yCiWah1#abcdrbchat
— OAH (@TeenHealthGov) September 29, 2015
NFID shared how to tell the difference between the flu and a cold and what you should do if you, or a family member, gets sick with the flu…
T8: Remember #Flu FACTS to distinguish flu from cold #abcdrbchatpic.twitter.com/SB98AumlgX
— NFID (@NFIDvaccines) September 29, 2015
T8: @arizzomd: Flu symptoms=high fever, headaches, cough, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion & fatigue #abcdrbchat
— American Lung Association (@LungAssociation) September 29, 2015
T9 Summ: Tamiflu is recommended as early as possible for hospitalized, high risk, or chronically ill #flu patients. #abcdrbchat
— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) September 29, 2015
Participants responded to difficult questions about the efficacy of this season’s flu vaccine compared to last season, as well as the progress being made towards the development of a universal flu vaccine…
T10: This season’s vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses. http://t.co/Qzg3IsyYJ7 #abcdrbchat
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) September 29, 2015
T10 Even when the flu shot protection isn’t perfect, it’s still protection! Not an excuse to skip the shot. #abcdrbchat
— Dr. Claire McCarthy (@drClaire) September 29, 2015
T11: @abcDrBchat research scientists are actively studying this question. – Dr. Len #abcdrbchat
— GSK US (@GSKUS) September 29, 2015
Many also shared tips for busting myths around flu vaccines…
T12: Share this video with those who don’t want to get vaccinated http://t.co/QcIGBBQlTM #abcdrbchat
— NFID (@NFIDvaccines) September 29, 2015
T12: Flu shot gossip spreads like wildfire. Here are my 5 favorite myths -> http://t.co/0R72dRquRo #abcdrbchat pic.twitter.com/OXghUhOmJw
— Alok Patel (@AlokPatelMD) September 29, 2015
The Twitter chat concluded with participants sharing valuable resources about flu…
T13: My go-to sources are http://t.co/usTSrC9WYG, http://t.co/JQjBoQHJBE, http://t.co/BGOjwap3tf and WHO. #abcdrbchat @aoafordos @abcdrbchat
— Dr. Jennifer Caudle (@DrJenCaudle) September 29, 2015
T13: School-focused resources to Keep Flu out of School #KFOS #FightFlu #abcdrbchat http://t.co/35Mk1gyTjt pic.twitter.com/5byPhDR13i
— NFID (@NFIDvaccines) September 29, 2015
Finally, as host, Dr. Besser thanked all for participating and encourage everyone to #GetVaccinated!
Hope you have a great week…..and go get your #flu shot! #abcdrbchat
— Dr. Richard Besser (@abcDrBchat) September 29, 2015
For more information on how to prevent flu, visit www.nfid.org/flu.
To join the conversation, follow us on Twitter (@nfidvaccines) using the hashtag #FightFlu, like us on Facebook, join the NFID Linkedin Group, and subscribe to NFID Updates.
