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Dr. Roach writes: Every year around this time I write a column on the different flu vaccines that are available. Before doing so this year, I want to implore readers to get their flu vaccine. If you have never gotten one, now is the time.

Dear Dr. Roach: I have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder after an X-ray by an orthopedic doctor. He sent me to physical therapy, but this is the slowest recovery and the most agonizing pain.

Dear Dr. Roach: In September 2017, my son, then 17, was rushed to a nearby children鈥檚 hospital and ultimately diagnosed with myocarditis, but did not have a biopsy.

Dear Dr. Roach: My 90-year-old mother lost her sense of smell several years ago. We think it was related to a new medication. I read that vitamin A deficiency can be responsible for this, and I have reason to believe she has a real deficiency.

Dear Dr. Roach: In the coronavirus pandemic, many people are getting tested for 1) active illness and 2) antibodies.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 71-year-old woman recently diagnosed with gout. I have been put on colchicine and allopurinol. Are these the best medications? Will it ever go away? I have it in my right foot, but I worry about my left foot.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am an 85-year-old working 20-plus hours a week in retail. I have just returned to work after being furloughed because of the pandemic. My associates and I are required to wear masks, averaging seven hours daily.

Dear Dr. Roach: I鈥檝e never smoked, drank alcohol or used illegal drugs. My doctor says I鈥檓 in great health. My only vice is drinking diet soda, and I drink three or four cans a day. I鈥檇 like to know what you think about it.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 70-year-old man with chronic back pain. I first started having serious back pain in college after spending much of my time hunched over a drawing board. Later, as an architect, my back pain reoccurred frequently.

Dear Dr. Roach: I鈥檓 a 71-year-old male in reasonably good health. At a recent routine checkup, my primary-care physician suggested I consider taking Lipitor 10 mg.