Richard Besser, MD, chief health and medical editor at ABC News (@abcDrBchat), recently hosted a live tweet chat on influenza (flu) prevention using the hashtag #abcDrBchat, in partnership with NFID (@NFIDvaccines) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (@CDCgov).
With nearly 1 million impressions, the tweet chat provided an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the 2016-2017 flu season, currently available flu vaccines, and other flu prevention strategies including proper hygiene and staying home when sick to avoid contact with others. Messaging encouraged everyone six months and older to #GetVaccinated annually to help #FightFlu!
Highlights from the tweet chat included the following:
https://twitter.com/abcDrBchat/status/788425942188384257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
T1 Based on the severity of the strain, the flu can cause 3,000 to 49,000 deaths a year https://t.co/zMxpj9ZjIy #abcdrbchat
— TFAH (@HealthyAmerica1) October 18, 2016
Discussion topics included the importance of getting an annual flu vaccine, who should get vaccinated, the importance of practicing healthy habits to prevent the spread of flu, common myths and misperceptions, and challenges to reaching public health goals for influenza vaccination…
https://twitter.com/abcDrBchat/status/788427252484759552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
T2: #Flu is unpredictable; vaccine immunity wanes. Annual vaccination is best protection against circulating strains. #abcDrBchat #FightFlu pic.twitter.com/hwLcfcATSw
— NFID (@NFIDVaccines) October 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/abcDrBchat/status/788428745560485888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
T3: Ck out this short video – pediatrician Jennifer Shu discusses the #flu vax & possible side effects – https://t.co/cTfD8aOo7j #abcDrBchat
— Office of Population Affairs (OPA) (@HHSPopAffairs) October 18, 2016
T3: Flu viruses in the #flu shot are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Learn more: https://t.co/ObiIdjEMe1 #abcdrbchat
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) October 18, 2016
T4: Everyone 6 mo. & older needs to get the flu vaccine every year – even young adults. Get the facts: https://t.co/y6WDC0HuSH #abcDrBchat
— HHS_Health (@HHS_Health) October 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/abcDrBchat/status/788430729986400256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
T5 Prevent spread of flu by washing hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing or wiping noses https://t.co/rUh07y9zWJ #abcDrBchat
— HealthyChildren (@healthychildren) October 18, 2016
T5: Annual vaccination is best way to #FightFlu! Teach kids to wash hands & cover coughs/sneezes. Keep them home if sick. #abcDrBchat pic.twitter.com/ZVit521g7F
— NFID (@NFIDVaccines) October 18, 2016
T6: DYK? Last season, 96% of doctors got a #flu vaccine. Doctors: #GetAFluVax & recommend your patients do the same. #abcDrBchat
— Dr. Nancy Messonnier (@DrNancyM_CDC) October 18, 2016
T7: It's simple math. Even 40-50% protection from #flu vaccine is better than zero without being vaccinated. #abcDrBchat
— Vaccinate Your Family (@Vaxyourfam) October 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/abcDrBchat/status/788434378963628032
T8: Last season, the nasal spray flu vaccine provided no protection. #Flu shots lowered risk by 60%. #abcDrBchat
— Dr. Nancy Messonnier (@DrNancyM_CDC) October 18, 2016
T9: Human immune defenses become weaker with age, placing some aged 65+ at greater risk of #flu related complications. #abcDrBchat pic.twitter.com/HRJy4GF61X
— CDC Flu (@CDCFlu) October 18, 2016
The chat concluded with participants sharing valuable resources about flu…
T13: Here are 3 things you can do to #FightFlu this season: https://t.co/xPHzdhnoDV #abcDrBchat @CDCFlu pic.twitter.com/JCZoVWfCC0
— Million Hearts® (@MillionHeartsUS) October 18, 2016
T13: #NFID resources for all ages: coloring books/infographics/reports at https://t.co/5OlDg1uH0Z & https://t.co/c0PNE8hUN8 #abcDrBchat pic.twitter.com/atgMk2PNHn
— NFID (@NFIDVaccines) October 18, 2016
For additional information on how to prevent flu, visit www.nfid.org/flu.
To join the conversation, follow NFID on Twitter (@nfidvaccines) using the hashtag #FightFlu, like us on Facebook, join the NFID Linkedin Group, and subscribe to NFID Updates.
