Dont let the flu bug knock you out Published Oct. 7, 2013 By Capt. Joaquina Fontes-Lopes 90th Medical Group F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The influenza season is soon approaching and now is the time to prepare to fight the flu. Air Force Global Strike Command and the 90th Medical Group encourage people to be immunized by December. Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract and spreads from one infected person to another. The flu can cause severe illness and complications in the elderly, young children and people with chronic health conditions or with low immune systems. According to the New York Department of Health, an average of 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from flu-related complications; the majority are children under the age of 5 and adults older than 65. Flu vs. Cold: Flu symptoms usually start suddenly and may include the following: fever, headaches, cough, sore-throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body ache, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting are less common. It is also important to note colds and flu share many symptoms, so it can be difficult to differentiate between the two based on the symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, though both are viral, so antibiotics don't help. Fight the Flu: One of the most effective ways to protect from the flu is to get the flu vaccination every year because the strains in the seasonal vaccine change. Most of this year's influenza vaccinations provide protection against four flu strains, including the H1N1 "bird flu" virus that was responsible for the pandemic of 2009. Good respiratory etiquette and frequent hand washing will also prevent the spread of seasonal flu as well as most of infectious disease. Wash hands when sick or when in close contact with sick people. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue and dispose of it in a trash can or toilet. Most importantly, if experiencing any flu symptoms, stay home. This prevents spread to others. Although it is recommended that everyone age 6 months and older receive the influenza vaccine, it is particularly important for certain patients who are at high risk for complications if they do get infected with the flu. Vaccination is Important: All adults and children older than six months of age are encouraged to receive the influenza vaccination. The flu vaccination is a mandatory Air Force requirement for all active duty members. It is usually also required by schools for students, and by employers for certain career fields such as health care workers and people who work in child care. These include children younger than age five, all persons aged 50 years and older, pregnant women or individuals with the following medical conditions: · Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury]. · Chronic lung disease (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis). · Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease), not including hypertension. · Renal, hepatic, hematologic (such as sickle cell disease), or metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders, mitochondrial disorders, and diabetes mellitus). · Persons who have immunosuppression due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids). · People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. · People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater). Vaccinations now available: The 90th MDG is now administering the influenza vaccination on a walk-in basis, and will also be visiting many units on base to administer the vaccine. Intranasal "FluMist" is available for all active duty and Air Reserve component service members, healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care at Department of Defense facilities, and dependents. Due to a manufacturer's shortage which has affected all of the Air Force, there is currently a very limited supply of injectable flu shot. These are reserved for patients who have medical conditions which prevent them from receiving the FluMist. Because of the shortage, there are some of these patients who may need to wait until November or December to receive their flu shot on base. Tricare does cover receipt of the flu shot off-base for anyone who cannot receive the FluMist and cannot wait. The Immunization Clinic asks that anyone who gets their flu shot off base bring record of this the clinic so that records can be updated. The Immunization Clinic is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (closed for training the third Thursday monthly at noon). The immunization staff will make sure that Airmen and their families receive the appropriate vaccinations. Please call 307-773-3461 with any questions.