More on flu shots . . .

DEAR DR. GOTT: We had the H1N1 flu shot at our doctor’s office earlier this year. Now we see H1N1 is in the flu shot for this coming season. Is it safe to take it again? Or should we try and get the single flu shot if possible?

DEAR READER: To my knowledge, there is no single flu shot, so I believe it is appropriate for you to receive a seasonal flu injection. My reasoning is that seasonal flu covers different strains that you wouldn’t be immunized against if you didn’t have the 2010 injection. What you received earlier this year was specifically for H1N1.

To be on the safe side and because I don’t know your age, allergies or health history, you should clear this with your primary-care physician before being immunized.

The swine-flu pandemic began in April 2009 and took more than 18,000 lives worldwide, according to Fox News, which also reported the governments of North America and Europe dumped their vaccines after finding their shelves were full of unused serum and supplies that were about to expire. Conservative skeptics held back and simply didn’t get immunized.  But the World Health Organization believes the 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread in many parts of the world for years to come.

The 2010 to 2011 seasonal-influenza vaccine will protect against the H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus. Those who had H1N1 or the vaccine last year can safely receive the seasonal flu vaccine this year.

DEAR DR. GOTT: It is definitely better for some vitamins and minerals to be taken with food at mealtimes, but other food supplements must be taken on an empty stomach. You can also take smaller amounts of some vitamins and minerals between meals, with water, and get a bigger punch from them.

For me, it’s better to take mineral capsules, tablets or powders with lunch or supper than it is for breakfast, when my stomach enzymes aren’t strong enough to digest them well. The minerals give me a stomachache. Also, never take a multi-B vitamin before bedtime or you won’t get to sleep. See, it all depends!

DEAR READER: You certainly appear to have done your homework. I could not find confirmation for some of your claims, such as multi-B at bedtime causing insomnia; however, each of us responds differently to medication, even over-the-counters.

Remember that vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients, but the body typically only requires small amounts of them. Readers should speak with their physicians before beginning a regimen, because a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will likely be all that is required to maintain good health.

Furthermore, read labels to determine whether a medication or supplement should be taken with food or without, or in the morning or at bedtime.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report, “Vitamins and Minerals.� Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter, and mailed to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.

Peter Gott practiced medicine in Lakeville for 40 years.