Influenza: Deadly yet preventable illness Published Nov. 9, 2006 By Capt. (Dr.) Randall Nett 90th Medical Operations Squadron F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo -- Influenza season is fast approaching, and every Airman should be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms as well as the importance of influenza. Influenza causes more diseases than any other vaccine-preventable illness, causing 20,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations every year. Individuals infected with influenza are highly contagious and can transmit illness one day prior to symptoms appearing and up to five days after the onset of symptoms. Influenza has the potential to affect the workplace and ultimately the mission. The economic impact of influenza is about $3 to $5 billion annually. There are many differences between influenza and the average cold. Unlike the common cold, influenza frequently begins with the abrupt onset of a fever -- temperature ranging from 100 to 104 degrees -- and a severe dry cough. Influenza often causes joint aches, muscle aches, anorexia, severe headache, chest discomfort and significant fatigue lasting two to three weeks. Severe complications may result from influenza including pneumonia, acute paralysis, inflammation of the brain and inflammation of the heart lining. Complications occur more commonly in infants, elderly, pregnancy, heart and lung disease, kidney disease and any illness that weakens the immune system. The common cold is different, having a more gradual onset and milder symptoms. Unlike influenza, those suffering from the common cold often lack fever, have a stuffy nose and sneezing, have a sore throat, and mild as well as shorter-lasting fatigue. Another important difference between influenza and the common cold is that medication can make a difference in how long influenza persists; this is not the case for the common cold. Current antiviral agents reduce the symptoms of influenza by about two days, reduce the severity of symptoms, reduce the number of complications, and lessen the contagiousness of the individual. In order to be effective, patients must begin these medications within 48 hours of symptoms. Your primary care doctor can assess your symptoms, perform rapid influenza testing if indicated and initiate antiviral treatment if influenza is diagnosed within two days of symptom onset. Ultimately, the key to dealing with influenza is prevention. Prevention occurs through getting your annual flu shot, limiting the spread of influenza by infected individuals staying home from work and seeking healthcare early, and from frequent hand washing. Visit your healthcare provider early if you feel you have the flu. Currently, the 90th Medical Group Clinic does not have flu vaccinations. They are expecting a shipment to arrive late November. If needed now, flu vaccinations can be provided by Health Reach or any network pharmacy, and costs can be reimbursed.