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Flu vaccine prevents illness

  • Published
  • By Major Jenny Voss
  • 20th Medical Group Public Health
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.-- --  The influenza or "flu" virus is an infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever (100 degrees - 103 degrees), chills, muscle ache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough and headache. It is transmitted through the air when a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes, or when a person infected with the virus contaminates a surface with their hands and another person touches that surface and then their eyes, nose or mouth. 

The most effective way to prevent getting the flu is the flu vaccine. Getting the vaccine before the flu season gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus. The flu vaccine reduces the chance of catching the flu by up to 80 percent during season. Because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change, the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus. The vaccine is needed every year to protect against new strains. 

Currently, there are two vaccine options; the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine known as FluMist, approved by the FDA in June, 2003. FluMist is only approved for non-high risk people between the ages of 2 and 49 years old. All active duty members in this category are required to get FluMist. To ensure that only non-high risk individuals receive the vaccine, the immunization clinic will administer a verbal questionnaire prior to giving the vaccine.

Protecting members against disease is the 20th Medical Group's number one priority. In an effort to protect members, they will bring their services to each unit. Medical personnel are going out to different areas around Shaw to administer the flu vaccine. The 20th Fighter Wing's goal is to immunize all active duty members by Dec. 4.

Immunizations will be open to all beneficiaries Dec. 5 with the exception of high-risk children between the ages of 3 and 18 years old. This vaccine is on backorder, so parents of these children should call the immunization clinic at 895-6492 to determine availability. 

In addition to vaccination, there are other ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the flu, such as; avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something contaminated with germs and then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth. 

The simplest step taken for protection from disease is hand washing. Washing hands with warm, soapy water is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses -- not just the flu. 

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers are a good alternative. 

For more information please call Public Health at 895-6193 or the immunization clinic at 895-6492. Also, for information on the web visit www.cdc.gov/flu.