AFMC Command News

First line of defense against flu is you

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marnita Jordan
  • Community health NCOIC
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Influenza, or what is commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses typically during the months of October through late spring. Numerous Web sites indicate the peak flu season is between January and March.

The flu can cause mild to severe illness. At times it can be fatal. Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. However, older people, young children and people who have certain health conditions are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.

Those at high risk are:
- Children aged 6-59 months
- Pregnant women during flu season
- People 50 years of age and older
- Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years of age who receive long-term aspirin therapy
- Adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular system, including asthma
- Adults and children who needed regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year
- Adults and children with cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
- People who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza-related complications
- Health-care workers

How germs are spread
Illnesses like the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.

The flu and colds usually are spread from person to person via droplet transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air or touches inanimate objects like door knobs, computer key boards and other objects that are commonly used by many people.

Some viruses may live for up to two hours or longer on surfaces like tables, doorknobs and desks. Healthy adults may be able to infect others for up to one day before having symptoms and up to five days after they become ill.

Here some habits for good health and suggestions for protecting against the flu:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of tissues as soon as possible
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Wash for 15-20 seconds and rub your hands vigorously, rinsing well with water. If running water is not available, use waterless, alcohol-based hand cleaners
- Stay home when you are sick and check with a health care provider when needed
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Get adequate sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Drink plenty of water, eight to 10 glasses daily
- Eat nutritious food

Flu vaccinations are the single best way to protect yourself and others against the flu each year. Two kinds of vaccines are available. flu shots, which contain a dead virus; and nasal spray vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu.

Flu diagnosis and treatment
It is difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or have a complication of the flu.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

A doctor may recommend the use of antiviral medications to help treat the flu. Other treatment measures include getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of liquids and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Medications such as acetaminophen can help relieve fever and muscle aches. Parents should never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly a fever.

For additional information go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http:// www .cdc.gov/flu.