Flu Season just around the corner Published Sept. 24, 2008 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. -- Another flu season is upon us and it's time for flu vaccinations. The 60th Medical Group's Allergy/Immunization clinic is sponsoring a mass flu immunization for all active-duty and Department of Defense civilians at the Chapel One Annex Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members who need the vaccine should bring a military ID card to receive the service. The influenza vaccine is a mandatory DOD requirement for all military personnel. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall, ideally in October or November. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates there will be no shortage of flu vaccine during this season. The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. This is why frequent hand washing during flu season is so important in helping preventing the disease. Every year in the United States approximately: -- 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu -- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications -- 36,000 people die from flu Those wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu complications or because of close contact with someone who is at high risk for serious complications. For more information on who should be vaccinated, visit the following CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/persons.htm The following simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect individuals from getting sick: -- Use a tissue to cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing -- Wash hands often -- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. -- When sick, keep distance from others and avoid close contact with those who are sick. Droplets spread by coughing or sneezing can infect people within three feet. -- If possible, stay home from work, school and avoid any unnecessary errands Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water and eating healthy food will help you stay fit in the winter and all year. Many healthy adults do not need to seek medical care for the flu. Self-care for the flu is aimed at staying comfortable and preventing complications: -- Rest in bed, especially if a fever is present -- Drink plenty of healthy fluids (such as water and juice) and avoid alcohol -- Do not smoke or be near someone who is smoking -- Take medicines to relieve fever and aches (such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen) -- Use cough syrup, nasal spray, decongestants -- Gargle; use lozenges or hard candy for a sore throat -- Run a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer -- Those with chronic illnesses or those who are 65 years or older should call as soon as symptoms develop. Call a healthcare provider if any of the following occur in conjunction with the typical symptoms listed above: · Temperature of 103 F or more · Difficulty breathing, chest pain · Sinus pain, earache · Neck pain or stiffness · Thick, colored drainage from nose or throat for more than five days · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe vomiting Most recover from the flu without any complications; however, some people develop bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be very serious. Call a healthcare provider at David Grant USAF Medical Center for help or more information. Another flu season is upon us and it's time for flu vaccinations. The 60th Medical Group's Allergy/Immunization clinic is sponsoring a mass flu immunization for all active-duty and Department of Defense civilians at the Chapel One Annex Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members who need the vaccine should bring a military ID card to receive the service. The influenza vaccine is a mandatory DOD requirement for all military personnel. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall, ideally in October or November. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates there will be no shortage of flu vaccine during this season. The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. This is why frequent hand washing during flu season is so important in helping preventing the disease. Every year in the United States approximately: -- 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu -- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications -- 36,000 people die from flu Those wishing to reduce the chance of getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu complications or because of close contact with someone who is at high risk for serious complications. For more information on who should be vaccinated, visit the following CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/persons.htm The following simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect individuals from getting sick: -- Use a tissue to cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing -- Wash hands often -- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. -- When sick, keep distance from others and avoid close contact with those who are sick. Droplets spread by coughing or sneezing can infect people within three feet. -- If possible, stay home from work, school and avoid any unnecessary errands Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water and eating healthy food will help you stay fit in the winter and all year. Many healthy adults do not need to seek medical care for the flu. Self-care for the flu is aimed at staying comfortable and preventing complications: -- Rest in bed, especially if a fever is present -- Drink plenty of healthy fluids (such as water and juice) and avoid alcohol -- Do not smoke or be near someone who is smoking -- Take medicines to relieve fever and aches (such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen) -- Use cough syrup, nasal spray, decongestants -- Gargle; use lozenges or hard candy for a sore throat -- Run a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer -- Those with chronic illnesses or those who are 65 years or older should call as soon as symptoms develop. Call a healthcare provider if any of the following occur in conjunction with the typical symptoms listed above: · Temperature of 103 F or more · Difficulty breathing, chest pain · Sinus pain, earache · Neck pain or stiffness · Thick, colored drainage from nose or throat for more than five days · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe vomiting Most recover from the flu without any complications; however, some people develop bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be very serious. Symptoms of flu include: · fever (usually high) · headache · extreme tiredness · dry cough · sore throat · runny or stuffy nose and · muscle aches · Gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. Call a healthcare provider at David Grant USAF Medical Center for help or more information.