Flu shots can prevent serious health complications

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tara Barrett
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
With falling temperatures, winter and the flu season are just around the corner. Influenza or the flu is different from the common cold and can result in serious complications for certain individuals.

Not to be confused with the stomach flu, influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms usually come on suddenly and may include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches --typically referred to as flu-like symptoms.

Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics like penicillin do not cure it. Therefore, treatment options for the flu include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol or tobacco use, and taking medications to relieve the symptoms.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine (flu shot or nasal flu spray) each fall.

There are two types of vaccines which protect against the flu. The flu shot is an inactive vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given in a syringe through a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use among people six months and older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

The other type is a nasal spray flu vaccine. It is called the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine. The nasal flu vaccine contains attenuated or weakened live viruses, and is administered by a nasal sprayer. It is approved for use only in healthy people between the ages of two to 49 years. Healthy contacts of high-risk patients may receive the nasal flu vaccine.

The following people are at high risk for complications of the influenza virus infection: 

-- Children ages six to 59 months 

--Children and adolescents (ages 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection 

--Pregnant women 

-- People 50 years of age and older 

--People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions 

-- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities 

-- Adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma. (Hypertension is not considered a high-risk condition.) 

-- Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including immunodeficiency caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) 

-- Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration 

-- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions 

The 60th Medical Group's Immunization Clinic is currently offering flu vaccines to all Tricare beneficiaries. Influenza vaccines are available in the clinic Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on a walk-in basis. Additionally, a flu vaccination clinic will be held for all military, Tricare beneficiaries, and DOD civilians Dec. 17 through 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Chapel One Annex. A military ID or Common Access Card is required. 

For more information on influenza and prevention tips, contact your primary care provider or The Center for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm .