The flu and you Published Nov. 30, 2010 By Capt. Jennifer Behan 90th Medical Group F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- The holiday season is a magical time of year. The leaves have changed, snow has fallen, the winds are of hurricane caliber and flu-mist is in the air. Once again, it is time to receive your influenza vaccination, and Air Force Global Strike Command is encouraging everyone to be immunized by December. Each year, the flu season can vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Influenza is usually mild, but can occasionally cause more severe illness. It can rarely lead to death, usually in individuals already suffering from other serious medical conditions. The majority of the 200,000 annual hospitalizations due to severe influenza illness in the United States involve children under 5 and people older than 65. Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. The best way to protect oneself against the flu is to get immunized. Influenza vaccination allows the body to build antibodies to fight against the flu virus. The vaccine will help lessen the severity of flu symptoms and possibly prevent any symptoms at all. Unlike last year, only one influenza vaccination is necessary. This year's influenza vaccination provides protection against both the traditional seasonal flu virus and the H1N1 flu virus. The only exception is children aged 6-months through 8-years-old who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine will need two doses of vaccine spaced at least 4 weeks apart. In addition, children who received only one dose in their first year of vaccination should get two doses the following year. 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. If one must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask, if available, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss and wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. Fevers and coughs can be treated with medicine bought at stores. The use of aspirin in children and adolescents should be avoided. Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. However, certain individuals are at risk for developing complications from influenza and should see their medical provider if they develop flu-like symptoms to minimize the risk of the condition worsening. These individuals include children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2-years-old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. It is also especially important that these individuals receive the influenza vaccination as soon as possible. Some people may develop severe illness from the flu, so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider. There are emergency warning signs and anyone who has them should get medical care right away. If experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting, go to the emergency room. In children, additional warning symptoms that require emergent care include 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, and fever with a rash. The 90th Medical Group is now administering the influenza vaccination. All adults and children older than 6 months are encouraged to receive the influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis at the 90th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic. The hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The clinic is closed every third Thursday of the month for military readiness training. Please call 773-3461 with any questions.