Flu and COVID + Natural Disasters, Oh My! Flu Season Edition!

Filmed live at the Hive, Atlanta, Georgia, on August 26, 2020. Dr. Baxter covers mask shortages and surpluses during the early months of the pandemic (00:42), what to do in the event of evacuation due to natural disaster (03:36), flu season and intersections with COVID-19 (04:57). Advice includes what to pack in your bug-out-bag and what to do in an emergency shelter.

Dr. Baxter addresses a current theory about this season’s flu: flu season has been mild in Australia and Brazil, so won’t be a big deal in the US. Dr. Baxter debunks this with arguments based on “boogers and children.” In places that have early flu season and have seen mild spread, they SHUT DOWN their schools. Children in schools will rapidly transmit flu (1 – 2 day transmission).

When should you get your flu shot? NOW, for anyone under age 65. Demand is expected to be 125% of normal and flu manufacturers made only 110% of their normal supply. So, make this a priority!

What if I’m 65+? Aim for September 15th or as soon as possible thereafter. Since immunity may fade faster in this age group, the CDC recommends getting a vaccine in September or October rather than when the vaccine is first available in August. There are several stronger vaccines for patients 65 and older, including two new ones. Dr. Baxter suggests those 65+ aim for the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (Sanofi Pasteur) or the Quadrivalent standard-dose by Seqirus.

Keep wearing a mask, and even a nose clip. #GetYourFluShotNow

Buzzy and VibraCool are FDA registered 510(k) cleared to Control pain associated with injections, venipuncture, IV starts, cosmetic injections, and the temporary relief of minor injuries (muscle or tendon aches, splinters, and bee stings). Also intended to treat myofascial pain caused by trigger points, restricted motion, and muscle tension.

Dr. Amy Baxter, MD, bio & more pain relief options here: https://paincarelabs.com/resources/power-over-pain/ 

Dr. Amy Baxter directs innovation, invention, and strategy for Pain Care Labs. Accomplishments include international thought leadership on pain management and acute opioid reduction, multiple NIH SBIR Fast-Tracks, eight issued patents, multiple first author textbook chapters and journal publications, and successful 510K FDA clearances. After graduating from Yale University and Emory Medical School, as a double-boarded pediatric emergency physician, Dr. Baxter founded PEMA Emergency Research, created and validated the BARF pediatric nausea scale cited in fifty studies, and founded Pain Care Labs. Recognition includes Forbes Ten Healthcare Disruptors, Inc. Top Women in Tech to Watch, Top 10 Innovative and Disruptive Women in Healthcare, a Wall Street Journal “Idea Person”, and the Most Innovative CEO of 2014 from Georgia Bio. National and international lecturing highlights include MakerFaire, AARP, and TEDMED. On Homeolux Board of Directors. Also known for turning down Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank.