We don’t need no stinkin’ flu

  • Published
  • By From 319th Medical Group
  • Immunization Clinic
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness from one of the many influenza types of viruses. Symptoms are similar to the common cold but more intense. High fever, headache, extreme tiredness, nose congestion, muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat and occasionally stomach symptoms may be felt. People are contagious and shed the virus into the environment before they feel sick. Adults may be contagious one day before onset of symptoms, and children may be contagious as many as five days before symptoms show.

Influenza is found in droplets of moisture and on surfaces the moisture contacts. It may infect you if you breathe in the virus that infected people coughed, sneezed or breathed into the air. You can infect yourself by touching a contaminated surface (door handle, phone, keyboard, faucet handle) then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Influenza can make you seriously ill. Some people die from influenza complications like pneumonia.

The best way to avoid influenza is to receive the flu vaccination during the flu season (October to April). Good health habits protect you from the flu and the common cold:
 Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use a waterless cleanser before eating, smoking or touching your face
 Eat nutritious foods; consider a daily multi-vitamin
 Exercise regularly
 Get adequate rest
 Avoid smoking. Smoking inhibits your body's ability to destroy viruses that enter your lungs.
 Avoid drinking excessive alcohol. Even moderate alcohol use slows your body's defense system.
 Avoid close contact (within three feet) with infected people
 Teach children about germs, remind them to wash their hands

If you feel sick, prevent the virus from spreading:
 Avoid close contact with others
 Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue then clean your hands. Consider coughing towards your inner elbow if unable to clean your hands.
 If possible, stay home when you are sick

The 319th Medical Group immunization clinic began vaccinating people at high risk for severe flu complications. These include:
· All children 6 months to 4 years (two vaccines the first time ever receiving this vaccine)
· All persons >50 years
· Children 6 months to 18 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy
· Women who plan to be or will be pregnant during flu season (roughly October to March)
· Adults and children who have chronic lung (including asthma), cardiovascular (except high blood pressure), kidney, liver, blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
· Adults and children who have immunosuppression (by medications or disease)
· Residents of nursing homes/chronic care facilities

Find the latest flu vaccine updates on the Med Group phone system at 747-5601 and the Leader Online.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) for additional information on influenza or you may contact the immunizations clinic at 747-5451.