90th MDG: Ready for flu season

  • Published
  • By Col. Francesca Vasta-Falldorf
  • 90th Medical Group commander
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Flu season is upon us, and I want share some tips to help you, your family and co-workers get through it as healthy as possible. I also want to let you know the status of our vaccination program at the 90th Medical Group.

Some people have asked me, "What are some symptoms of the flu?"

Symptoms may include high fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Others seem to be concerned with the H1N1, also known as swine flu. H1N1 is a strain of flu virus that has been prevalent this year. It actually falls into the Influenza A category of flu virus. While many get immunized each year for seasonal flu, this year an H1N1 immunization has been developed to help your body fight specifically the H1N1 virus. This immunization is needed in addition to your seasonal flu vaccination.

How can you prevent or minimize your chances of getting the flu? Hand washing or using hand sanitizer is a simple but effective means of preventing the spread of germs from one person to the other. If you get sick, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your arm. If you are sick, it is best to stay home to minimize spread  to others.

When should you seek treatment for the flu? As stated above, it is best to stay at home to minimize spread to others. Many times home remedies of fever reducers, cough medicine, rest and plenty of fluids will do the trick. If your symptoms are not getting better or are worsening, this may be an indication that you might have other complicating factors and you need to be seen. Call the 90th MDG at 773-3461 for an appointment, nurse advice or referral to downtown provider.

What is the status of flu season here in Wyoming? We saw a spike of flu cases just a few weeks ago. Right now, cases have settled down. Flu tends to surge and then get better and then get worse again, almost like watching the stock market. It is predicted that the next wave of flu will hit in January or February. As it takes about a month to develop an immunity from the flu vaccine, now is the time to get up to date on your vaccinations before the flu wave strikes again.

So, what vaccinations are beneficial? The 90th MDG has been immunizing all beneficiaries against seasonal flu since October. If you have not yet gotten your seasonal flu vaccination, it is not too late to get it. Depending on your age or health status, there is a flu shot or flu mist available.

The H1N1 vaccine is from two different sources depending on your beneficiary type. The Laramie County Public Health Department has allocated H1N1 immunizations for our non-active duty beneficiaries. As they get shipments in, they provide us with doses to give to our non-active duty members. The DoD has procured their H1N1 vaccine from one central source for our active-duty members. The 90th MDG received 2,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine to provide mass immunizations to our active duty, their family members and civilian workforce. These immunizations will be provided Dec. 22 in Bldg. 1284 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition to getting the H1N1 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends smokers and people with asthma to get immunized for pneumonia. This immunization is available for those who would benefit from it and will also be provided when H1N1 vaccinations are given.

With a few simple steps to prevent the spread of flu, immunizations to help combat it, and providers ready to assist if symptoms worsen, the 90th MDG is engaged and ready to keep you as healthy as possible. If you have any questions about immunizations, please call our immunizations clinic at 773-2271.