NEW ORLEANS — According to the CDC, Louisiana has a very high level of flu cases, but a local doctor is hoping when you're sick, you'll help test some new flu treatments.
Regina Wendling knows she should have gotten the flu vaccine, especially since she works in a pediatrician's office that is inundated with flu cases. And then two weeks ago she got sick too.
"All of a sudden aches and pains all over the place and then I started feeling like pressure in my ears and then my throat. Oh God, and that is the worst," remembers Wendling, 48.
That's when she decided to join a flu study.
Right now, MedPharmics, LLC in Metairie is testing two different treatments for the flu. One is a combination of 14 Chinese herbs used for thousands of years to treat flu symptoms. The other study is testing a new antiviral medication to treat the influenza virus.
"We need medicines for flu because some people's immune systems are just not adequate. The very young, the very old, people who are on chemo, people whose immune systems are otherwise compromised, even if they get the flu vaccine they may get the flu. So, we need medication," explained Dr. Robert Jeanfreau, the Medical Director of MedPharmics, LLC.
Dr. Jeanfreau says they need adults to come in as soon as they get flu symptoms. The antiviral study is for people 50 and older, and the herbal study is for people 18 to 50-years-old.
"There's a big move in the US toward integrative medicine, which is sort of a combination between conventional medicine and some other types of eastern medicines," he said.
At work, Regina sees the new treatments that come from research, so even though she felt terrible, she's glad she joined the study.
"Because they're always talking about medical heroes, and if nobody does it, then there's no medicine," she said.
The two studies are free and you will be paid for your time.
For more call 504-457-2721 or visit their website.