Prepare now for the flu Published Sept. 23, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Natasha-Anne Cutrell 90th Medical Operations Squadron F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Winter brings wind, snow, the cold and the flu. It's that time of year when Air Force Global Strike Command's 90th Medical Group begins the influenza vaccination program for all active duty, Reserve and Guard members, and eligible beneficiaries. This vaccine will protect against both the traditional seasonal influenza viruses and the H1N1 virus. The vaccine allows one's body to build antibodies to help fight off the flu and the vaccine will also help lessen symptoms if one does get the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory viral illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Influenza symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Flu viruses may be spread by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Someone can also get the flu by touching surfaces or objects that have the flu virus on them and then touching his or her nose, eyes or mouth. Healthy adults with the flu may start to infect others one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for more than seven days. Symptoms start anywhere from one to four days after the virus enters the body, meaning one may be able to pass the flu on to someone else before knowing he or she is sick. Some people infected with the flu virus show no symptoms at all and still spread the virus to others. Most people who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Supervisors should send personnel with flu-like symptoms home, when mission allows. However, certain individuals are at risk for developing complications from influenza and they should see their medical provider if they develop flu-like symptoms to minimize the risk of the condition worsening. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get vaccinated, but there are additional measures that can also be taken to help prevent influenza infections. Washing hands more often with soap and water can help. When soap and water are not available to wash hands, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer instead. Do not share dishes, eating utensils or linens with people who are sick without washing them first. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it is important people in the following groups get vaccinated, either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications: · Women who are pregnant or likely to be pregnant during the influenza season · Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2-years-old · People older than 65 · People of any age with chronic medical conditions · People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities · People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu · People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months -- these children are too young to be vaccinated · Health care workers