Amid A "Super Flu" Outbreak, Dr Oz Shared Some Health "Advice" That's Making Doctors Roll Their Eyes

A new variant of influenza, dubbed the “super flu,” is going around. According to data from the CDC, hospitalizations for the flu have nearly doubled in just a week as cases surge. Child sleeping in bed, holding a stuffed toy. An adult hand gently checks the child's forehead

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So people, and especially doctors, are not very happy with the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr Mehmet Oz, over his latest comments on the flu shot. A person in a suit speaking passionately at a microphone during a formal event

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On Newsmax, Oz said, “Every year there’s a flu vaccine. It doesn’t always work very well. That’s why it’s been controversial of late.” A TV segment titled "The Wellness Report" features three news anchors discussing the surge of "super flu" cases in the U.S It’s worth pointing out that the reason there is a new flu vaccine every year is that the flu virus mutates over time. This year’s vaccine isn’t a perfect match to the version of the flu that’s currently circulating, but experts still recommend getting it to prevent transmission of the flu and lessen its severity if you do catch it. If you haven’t had a flu shot yet, it’s not too late to get one now. Healthcare worker applies a bandage to a person's upper arm after administering a vaccine or injection

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After dismissing the flu shot, Oz went on to encourage people to take care of themselves so that their bodies can “overwhelm” the flu if they do contract it. He advised people to prioritize “getting sunlight,” “take some vitamin D,” follow “the MAHA initiatives” around diet, and get enough sleep. News broadcast with three anchors discussing flu shot efficacy. Two anchors at a desk, one on a video call. Text mentions concerns about flu strains You can watch the clip here:

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In response, medical professionals like Jonathan Reiner, MD, Professor of Medicine and Surgery Interventional Cardiologist, are disappointed that Oz didn’t encourage people to get the flu shot as a preventative measure. Tweet by Jonathan Reiner criticizing Dr. Oz for promoting sunlight, vitamin D, zinc, and sleep over vaccination for flu prevention Brian Goldman, MD, an emergency room physician, was more blunt, tweeting simply, “Bullshit advice.” Dr. Brian Goldman tweets: "Bullshit advice."

Another person wrote, “He should tell that to the 250 people in the emergency room at my hospital last night.” Tweet by user Shannon_last stating, "He should tell that to the 250 people in the emergency room at my hospital last night."

And another person tweeted, “Translation: You’re on your own folks!” Tweet from @Stagger1Lee2: "Translation: You’re on your own folks!" with a waving hand emoji Have you had the flu this year? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.