News Search

The 2013 flu season is here

  • Published
  • By Public Health
  • 20th Medical Group
Influenza, or the flu, afflicts roughly 60 million Americans annually, particularly during the winter.

Seasonal viruses come in two basic varieties: Type A, which causes the most extensive and severe outbreaks, and the usually milder type B.

Each year, some of these flu viruses can mutate, which is why a different flu vaccine is prepared every year. Major mutations are often the cause of flu pandemics, but for the most part, the flu doesn't pose serious health risks. Most cases last only a few days and although symptoms can be severe, serious complications are not common.

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than the symptoms of a common cold.

Symptoms typically develop one to seven days after exposure and can last from a few days to two weeks. These symptoms may include any or all of the following:
· Fever (usually 100º F or warmer, lasting for several days), often with chills
· Body aches or muscle aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Cough
· Eye pain, such as burning, pain on eye movement or sensitivity to light
· Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or nausea and vomiting, are fairly uncommon

Once symptoms develop there is no specific treatment for the flu.

There is also no substitute for commonsense treatments such as getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products.

During the first 48 hours of the illness, antiviral medications, available by prescription only, can effectively lessen the severity of the flu; beyond 48 hours these medications have little effect.

The flu spreads person-to-person primarily from the airborne particles generated by coughing and sneezing, and by hand-to-hand contact. The best way to prevent spreading the flu is through proper hand hygiene. Washing your hands frequently will help reduce the spread of the virus. Also coughing and sneezing into your arm, not your hands, will aid in the prevention of spreading the flu.

Most importantly, if you have flu symptoms stay home. Air Force Instruction 41-210 section 4.14.6., states, "Unit commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours sick status at their discretion if a member's illness or injury does not require medical treatment facility intervention."

You can also protect yourself from contracting the flu by doing these simple things:
· Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently. Be aware of touching surfaces like doorknobs, faucets, phones, keyboards, etc., and wash hands afterwards. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.
· Try to stay at least six feet away from people who appear ill, and avoid sharing food, drinks, toothbrushes, etc. during an outbreak.
· Keep you immune system healthy. Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
· Get vaccinated.

Everyone stands to benefit from getting a seasonal flu vaccine. Flu vaccines have been studied carefully and are generally very safe. However, if you have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, be sure to let your provider know before you receive any vaccine.

Side effects are uncommon and limited to low-grade fever, mild achiness and a sore arm. The risk of a significant complication is - a at most -- estimated at approximately one in one million people who receive the vaccine.

Bottom line, the advantages from getting the flu vaccine far exceeds the disadvantages.

The 20th Medical Group immunization clinic now has the flu mist and vaccine available. The flu mist is available for ages 2 to 49. The flu vaccine is available for ages 6 months and older.

Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you have any questions regarding the flu or the vaccine, please contact the Public Health office at (803) 895-6193.