Gearing Up for Flu Season

  • Published
  • By 341st Medical Group staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Every year in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu, according to the Center for Disease Control. The elderly, young children and people with compromised health, such as chronic diseases, are at an increased risk for developing serious complications from the flu.

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. There are two methods available for vaccination - the flu shot or the flu mist. The flu shot is an injection into the muscle. It is not a live virus vaccine and thus does not cause flu-like symptoms after receiving it. However, some minor side effects could occur, such as soreness, redness, low grade fever, body aches or localized swelling at the injection site. The second method of administration, the flu mist is a nasal spray vaccine, which is a live attenuated (weakened) virus vaccine. Because it is a live vaccine, some people may experience mild reactions similar to the flu, such as a runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever in children 2 years old and older. It may also cause a sore throat and cough in adults. Once vaccinated, the body develops antibodies that provide protection against the flu within two weeks.

The flu virus can become easily transmitted from infected persons to others through coughing and sneezing. It is also possible to become infected by touching something contaminated with the flu virus, then touching your mouth or nose. Adults who may be healthy or appear well, may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means one can spread the flu to others before knowing they are sick themselves. Since the virus can be acquired and transmitted through contact with contaminated items, frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water plays a vital role in controlling the spread of the flu virus.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May, according to the CDC. For active-duty members, flu vaccinations are mandatory. Currently, the 341st Medical Group is vaccinating the active-duty population on base. Vaccinations began last week during the Wing's Commanders Calls, and will continue through mass flu shot lines offered at the Clinic once the NSI/ORI is complete. The goal is to have 100 percent of all service members vaccinated by the end of November.

Young children and the elderly at risk of developing flu complications may obtain their vaccinations now, as well. Once the complete supply of vaccinations has arrived, the flu vaccinations will be offered to the rest of the population by the first week of December. Information on an earlier start date will be sent out, as applicable.

For further questions regarding the availability of the flu vaccination, call the immunization clinic at 731-4455.

Cold and Flu Survival Kit

The common cold is usually viral and does not require antibiotics for treatment. You do not need to see a healthcare provider unless your symptoms have worsened or have not gotten better after seven to 10 days. Good old fashioned rest and home remedies are the best treatment. To help with the temporary relief of symptoms, be prepared by stocking up your supplies with the Cold and Flu Survival Kit.

· Taking Care of Yourself (And Child) Book(s) - May obtain from Malmstrom Clinic
· Thermometer
· Cool mist humidifier
· Kleenex
· Hand sanitizer
· Fluids (water, tea)
· Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications for adults may include the following:
· Decongestant: Treats stuffy nose and sinuses. (Example: Pseudoephedrine/Sudafed. Topical (spray) nasal decongestant (Example: Oxymetazoline/Afrin)
· Nasal Irrigation (Example: Neti squeeze bottle or NeillMed Rinse Kit, NeillMed Nasalflo)
· If you have high blood pressure, take Loratadine/Claritan instead of Sudafed
· Remember, there is a three-day limit for use of nasal sprays.
· Antihistamine: Treats allergy symptoms, such sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness and tearing eyes (Example: Loratadine/Claritan, Chlorpheniramine/Chlor-Trimeton)
· Cough: Helps with symptoms of coughing (Example: Dextromethorphan)
· Expectorant: Thins and breaks up thick mucous and helps bring up phlegm from the lungs by coughing; assists in preventing complications like sinusitis and otitis (ear infections) (Example: Guifenesin/Mucinex). Take with lots of water.
· Analgesic: Provides pain relief. Systemic (for whole body) (Example: Tylenol/Ibuprofen/Aspirin) and Topical (Example: Cough drops/Chloraseptic Spray)

Notes:
1) PRP members can take any OTC medication as long as they follow the rules.
2) Follow directions as indicated on the medication package.
3) Getting your flu vaccine will help decrease the chances of catching the flu.

For more information about how to properly cough and sneeze, see the CDC link: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm

For children or babies, the best recommendation is not to give any medications at all since they are usually not effective. But if parents want to give medications to help relieve the symptoms, the following are recommended:
· Saline drops - helps to thin the nasal mucous (never use the kind with medication) and relieve stuffy nose.
· Suction bulb - helps to clear a baby's (less than 6 months) nose of clogged mucus.
· Acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) - to decrease fever. Do not give aspirin.
· Fluids - give clear liquids rather than milk

Note: The Pediatric Clinic has a handout describing children's medicines and dosages.