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Forum: New Flu Commercial Advising People to Seek Medical Attention Immediatly WHY Has Anyone Else Seen This

01 November 2006

The Florida – at 23:10

Has anyone seen the commerical stating that if you or a family member gets the flu this season to see your doctor immediately? I live in the panhandle of Florida and I have seen this commerical for the past 3 weeks, and I was wondering if anyone knew why this ad was running???????? I didn’t know that the protocol for the flu for the average person was to immediatly go see your physician???????? I guess I will resume my prepping, I admit I have lax. Thanks for any input. Do y’all there is any hidden meaning behind this, I didn’t think the average person needed to see a doctor for the flu??????? Again, thanks for any thoughts or input, and happy preppy :0)

The Florida Girl – at 23:10
janetn – at 23:20
 Are you by chance talking about the ad by Roche the drug co.? That one I have seen.
The Florida Girl – at 23:37

I don’t know if it’s the same one, I have noticed where the commerical was sponsored by a drug company. Everytime I’ve seen it I’ve been like what????? What in the world are they talking about, go see your doctor for the flu????? I also thought the ad said that there was a new med for the flu????? If so then why get the flu shot? The first sign of a cold or flu I take Zicam and zinc. Plus I take vitamins and drink a lot water anywas so I’m usually never sick. I just don’t trust this commerical…………. What part of the country do you live in???? OH, and thanks for the return post, I usually get ignored :0)

anon mc – at 23:43

The use of Tamiflu for a “normal” flu has been clinically shown to shorten the duration of symptoms by one day. I would presume that if you are suffering from “normal” seasonal flu, the sooner you see the doctor, the greater the liklihood you will derive benefits from Tamiflu treatment. It is not likely to be a “pandemic ramp-up” as much as it is a sales pitch to get people in the physician’s office for a Tamiflu sale. Might be worth going in just for the script if you come down with anything remotely resembling the flu.

02 November 2006

mountainlady – at 00:35

I haven’t seen it where I live, but the idea of going in for the script makes sense.

But, then again, what if it is the pandemic starting and that script is necessary. How would a person know to go ahead and take it?

LA Escapee – at 00:56

They don’t mention a particular drug, do they? Just something about ask your doctor for a prescription drug for the flu. I thought it was weird too. Usually they mention the drug by name, don’t they?

enza – at 01:14

Could just be part of the surveillance being put in place for panflu, part of readinet.

janetn – at 01:30

LA no they dont mention a specific drug but since the company is Roche its not hard to quess what the marketing angle is

anon_22 – at 02:46

It’s probably just a tamiflu Ad. If you were Roche, you would say that, wouldn’t you?

Kathy in FL – at 04:53

The one I saw just had some kind of disclaimer like statement to the effect that “sometimes flu can get bad” and that “there are medications that can sometimes help.” The commercial itself was very, very broad and at least to me did not sound as if it were for a specific medication.

anonymous – at 05:20

This is not new. Roche has been telling people to see their doctor at the first sign of flu for years. The only thing a doctor can do for you, of course, is give you a prescription…and since the more generic antivirals were found to have lost their effectiveness on seasonal flu, the doctor will have to give you a Tamiflu prescription. As people have mentioned, the reason to see a doctor immediately when you suspect the seasonal flu is because you have to take Tamiflu immediately for it to be effective. Another reason why you might go see the doctor is to confirm that it really is the flu and see if there is anything you can do to prevent everyone else in your family from getting it. As I understand it, Tamiflu might help prevent the spread of the flu as well.

I am wondering about folks on here like FloridaGirl who are surprised that people would see the doctor for the flu. I would be surprised if you surprised folks have ever really come down with the flu. The flu is not a bad cold. You feel like you are dying. One time I got the flu and I ended up needing an IV and an antibiotic.

FloridaGirl—You get the flu shot to prevent the flu. But if you don’t get vaccinated or if you still come down with the flu despite getting vaccinated, then the antiviral is available to help you fight it off.

Kathy in FL – at 05:35

anonymous – at 05:20

I’ve had the flu, but never have gone to the doctor for it. We are self-insured so running to the doctor for every ill, especially knowing the likelihood that they can’t give you anything but advice you already know, is out for us.

Don’t get me wrong, doctors are great and when you need them, nothing else will do. I am not anti-medical establishment.

But flu comes in all shapes and sizes. Some folks are more susceptible to the worst systems and some seem to have more resistence.

In the last couple of months our household has dealt with 2 bad episodes of flu that included a stomach element. Yuck. The first was so bad that I did call the doctor … was told don’t come in unless it was absolutely necessary (i.e., uncontrolled fever or dehydration). That the best remedy was rest and to remain hydrated.

The contradictory advice is what kind of drew my attention to the commercial.

Kathy in FL – at 05:36

Sorry for the flub above. “Systems” should read “symptoms.”

DebPat 06:06

I thought just a couple of months ago, there was a study or something that came out, that warned about the over use of tamiflu. They were recommending that docs didn’t prescribe unless really nessecary.

anon_22 – at 06:17

They were recommending that docs didn’t prescribe unless really nessecary.

And they shouldn’t. But try telling that to companies that are selling them….

prepmaniac – at 06:48

The comercials always say “see your doctor” or “Ask your doctor” about every med from treating skin problems to viagra. “Ask your doctor if Cialis is right for you.” That commercial was so vague that I watched it many times and could not figure out what Cialis is for. So, I had to ask my Dr. My dh, If cialis (sp) is right for me. LOL They want Dr. to prescribe the drug, so they try to get patients to ask for it. It keeps the drug in the Dr. mind when someone asks for it too. The commercials always have a diclaimer on the commercials that have I seen. The possible side effects on most things are worse than the problem. IMHO Also, the drug companies are in business and work to make money. Just like everyone else. So, if it is sponsored by a drug co. It is probably to sell something.

The Florida Girl

I have not seen that commercial, but I will look for it now. Thanks for the heads up.

FloridaGirlat 06:49

About the poster: The Florida Girl – at 23:37

anonymous – at 05:2

I am wondering about folks on here like FloridaGirl who are surprised that people would see the doctor for the flu. I would be surprised if you surprised folks have ever really come down with the flu. The flu is not a bad cold. You feel like you are dying. One time I got the flu and I ended up needing an IV and an antibiotic.

I would like to point out that “the FloridaGirl” who is posting here and elsewhere is not “FloridaGirl” who has been here since last year, doing the research stuff, and other things.

I would respectfully request the “The Floridagirl” either add some numbers to her name, or change it in some other way to lessen any confusion.

Thanks…

Green Mom – at 08:50

About a week or two ago I saw in the Louisville Courier-Journal a quarter page ad about seeing your doctor right away if you come down with flu symptons but it was produced by Norton Healthcare- a group of hospitals/clinics in this area. If I remember correctly I think this particular medical group has had some rather serious finacial problems, and I took the ad as a way to drum up some business-which will be rather ironic if they end up turning patients away…….

Regarding Anonymous and the flu- yes I have had the flu a couple of times and yeah, I was pretty miserable, but with proper care-and no complications, you can, as I did ride the flu out at home. Your IV was (probably) for hydration purposes-that is why the docs keep saying “Push the fluids” and antibiotic is not for flu-which is viral, but for secondary bacterial infections-which you often pick up because your defences are down-you are more likly to pick up a secondary infection at the docs office or the hospital.

If youve not had the flu before, you do think your are seriously ill, which you are. But if your not elderly, or have a comprimised immune system, most of the time you can ride it out at home but you have to take care of yourself, you have to drink drink drink and you have to stay home-which is why I get so upset about the “three days or docs note” absentee policy at schools/work because it takes more than three days to recover, but if you go in to the docs office for the stupid note, youve just infected everyone in the office or youve picked up God knows what.

Sorry about the little rant there.

mj – at 09:17

I wonder if it’s runnning in sunny FL because of all the retirees and medicare folks. Perhaps they are more likely to go to the Dr. Ads are usually aimed at a particular group you think will buy.

anonymous – at 09:25

The same television ad ran in Cincinnati Oh when I was watching CSI Miami last week. I thinking they are gearing up for what is to come. In advertising you start early.

crfullmoon – at 09:39

Wush there had been commercial pointing out that if people have travelled to H5N1 areas and are sick on return they are to ‘call first and say so, not show up at a doctor’s office or ER, (not that places were ready to respond to those calls, last year nor probably now).

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/avian_influenza_se_asia_2005.htm

(…”However, a few cases of limited person-to-person spread of H5N1 viruses have been reported, with no instances of transmission continuing beyond one person.”… humph!)

…”if you become ill while abroad. You should defer further travel until you are free of symptoms, unless traveling locally for medical care. “…

(how many travellers read this?)

…”After your return, Monitor your health for 10 days. If you become ill with a fever plus a cough, sore throat, or trouble breathing during this 10-day period, consult a health-care provider. Before you visit a health-care setting, tell the provider the following: 1) your symptoms, 2) where you traveled, and 3) if you have had direct contact with poultry or close contact with a severely ill person. This way, he or she can be aware that you have traveled to an area reporting avian influenza.

Do not travel while ill, unless you are seeking medical care. Limiting contact with others as much as possible can help prevent the spread of an infectious illness. “

crfullmoon – at 09:40

wush=wish and no proofreader…sheesh :-/

crfullmoon – at 09:42

And it isn’t going to pick up contact with a contagious person before they act sick, which is why I’m afraid we’ll get no pandemic notice, since they won’t discourage non-essential travel.

The Florida Girl – at 13:01

Its me TheFloridaGirl, sorry for the name confusion. I will change it to TheFloridaGirl8.

OKbirdwatcherat 14:05

Green Mom at 08:50 -

Rant on. It’s utter stupidity. But, again, it’s all about the money. If a child is absent from school, the school loses funds. I get where their priorities are.

nsthesia – at 17:21

I’m in FL also and I’ve seen the ads, both on TV and in print. I also thought it curious. I would have thought conservation of what antiviral meds we do have would be a good thing. Plus, cavalier utilization should be avoided.

So, I assumed that since “there is no such thing as bad publicity”, that R***e was just getting their name out there and making sure their drug was connected with influenza, so it becomes a commonplace drug to the public. Makes sense to me.

I am surrounded by HCWs on a daily basis, and you would be surprised how many mention seeing that ad in print. Those same ones that don’t like hearing about panflu, have taken notice of these antiviral ads all of a sudden with unease.

People are asking why are these ads appearing now? I just look knowingly and say maybe it’s time you should start paying attention to what’s going on in Indonesia and China…

As for coping with seasonal influenza, each individual will handle it differently. So, to someone in good health, it may mean a couple weeks of misery, but that’s about it. To another, depending on age and health status, it can be life-threatening. Our population is aging and often obese. A large percentage are now presenting with asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. I take nothing for granted in our aging population. I tell patients they know their bodies better than anyone else. Seek early intervention if you have concern.

Orlandopreppie – at 17:44

My husband and I were watching a primetime TV show either Tuesday or Wednesday evening when a government sponsored commercial came on. It was about the flu, and had a bunch of animated dancing penguins in it. We looked at each other and commented on the real intent. I don’t recall ever seeing anything about flu in prior years but it could just be me. Oh, I’m in Central Florida. I wish they’d do more, how about a commercial with the theme “Have you got your two?” referring to their paltry two weeks preparation of food and water. At least it would be a start.

enza – at 20:04

Sorry guys I typed that in wrong, should be reddinet.

FloridaGirlat 20:09

TheFloridaGirl8

Thank you… It is much appreciated!

About the ads… I haven’t seen them, but two things come to mind. Florida has a lot of people who travel overseas…

The second thing… The flu surveillence program that Florida set up to monitor flu, will also be the same surveillence system that will monitor the occurrance of a pandemic flu. Monitoring the flu season and identifying the flu type is something that occurs in the ER, (certain) physician offices, (certain) walk in clinics, etc. This gives the counties an idea of disease prevalence. This information is also relayed to the CDC, because flu is now a reportable disease.

banshee – at 20:12

Orlandopreppie – at 17:44, I saw that PSA/ad as well. I think the penguins are from a new animated movie - Happy Feet? I thought it was kind of a strange pairing, penguins and the flu. I also don’t ever remember seeing PSAs on flu before.

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