DGMC battles new flu season Published Jan. 9, 2015 60th Medical Group TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The beginning of a new year also has signaled the start of another influenza season. 2015's flu season is raging with a fury in 43 states so far that it's officially considered an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, it's too soon to tell how particularly bad it will be locally. The 60th Medical Group's allergy and immunization clinic at David Grant USAF Medical Center conducted a mandatory mass flu immunization for all active-duty personnel, high-risk patients and Department of Defense civilians last fall. It is part of DGMC's annual effort to minimize the impact of the flu virus on the Travis base population. "The predominant influenza strain this season is H3N2, which has demonstrated a so-called antigenic 'drift' or mutation in just over half of this isolated viral type. The remaining types of this virus isolated were similar to the influenza A H3N2 found in this year's influenza vaccine," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Joshua Sacha, 60th Medical Operations Squadron officer in charge of DGMC's allergy and immunization clinic. "This year's predominant influenza H3N2 has historically resulted in increased hospitalization and disease rates in certain more vulnerable populations, to include the very young, older persons and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiopulmonary disease, impaired immunity, pregnancy, etc." According to Sacha, while this year's vaccine is not perfect, it has been demonstrated to provide some protection against these "drifted" or mutated viruses and will certainly provide protection against other circulating types, such as the influenza A H1N1 and influenza B viruses. "In light of this we still recommend vaccination in those who have not yet received the influenza vaccine," Sacha said. "It's a bit like wearing your seat belt. It doesn't offer perfect protection in all cases, but the protection it does offer is certainly better than none at all." Physicians nationwide continue to urge the general public that it's not too late to get vaccinated if you haven't already done so, in order to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contrary to some recent news coverage is the fact more deaths have occurred by the flu worldwide than the recent Ebola virus concerns in West Africa. "The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a variety of influenza viruses that occurs every winter throughout the United States," said Lt. Col. Natalie Johns, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron's public health flight commander. "It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can -- and has -- led to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall, ideally in the October or November timeframe when we do our mandatory mass flu immunizations." However, flu shots are only good for one year. According to Johns, they are made with inactivated or extinguished viruses and are recommended for anyone over six months old, with rare exceptions. This year's flu vaccine is still being offered to all TRICARE beneficiaries at DGMC's allergy and immunizations clinic. "Even after receiving a flu shot, a patient is still vulnerable to influenza viruses for up to 2.5 weeks while the body builds up a healthy resistance to the viruses," Johns said. "Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine in some people." A high dose influenza vaccine called Fluzone High Dose is available for those aged 65 years and older. This vaccine has been demonstrated to result in higher antibody titers, but it is not known if this translates to greater clinical protection. While the Department of Defense does not order or offer the high dose influenza vaccine, this vaccine may be available at civilian facilities. The influenza vaccine is a covered benefit for TRICARE beneficiaries. However, it is not currently recommended that individuals receive a second or additional influenza vaccine dose. Johns also stressed some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those people can still spread the virus to others, so take everyday preventive actions to prevent spreading the flu or other respiratory viruses, even if you don't feel ill: · Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. · Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and clean commonly touched objects such as door knobs, and phones often. · Try to avoid close contact with sick people. "If you are sick with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, sore throat and cough, the CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities," Johns said. "Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine before you go back to work." Authority also exists for all base-wide supervisors to place their non acutely ill members on 24-hour quarters without the member being seen by a military treatment facility. "I think of it as the 'What would I do with my kid?' rule," said Maj. (Dr.) Dan Brown, 60th MDOS emergency services physician. "If my kid wakes up sick and I would keep them home for a day but not bring them to the doctor, then unit commanders and supervisors should also utilize the same decision-making process in taking care of their troops." Brown also added that everyone should follow the safe practice of washing their hands frequently - usually to the length of time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. "This is especially required when touching surfaces where the virus may have been transmitted and where it may live on for a few hours," Brown said. If someone should come down with the flu, here are some suggestions to adhere to: · Stay home from work or school. · Get lots of rest. · Drink plenty of liquids. · Avoid using alcohol and tobacco. There are over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu. However, never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever. If needed, consult a doctor for the best treatment, but also be aware of these warning signs that require urgent medical attention: In children: · Fast breathing or trouble breathing. · Bluish skin color. · Not drinking enough fluids. · Not waking up or not interacting. · Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held. · Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough. · Fever with a rash. In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs: · Being unable to eat. · Has trouble breathing. · Has no tears when crying. · Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal. In adults: · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. · Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. · Sudden dizziness. · Confusion. · Severe or persistent vomiting. · Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough. For more information, call DGMC's public health flight at 423-5464.