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Preventing Seasonal Flu

  • Published
  • By Greg Chadwick
  • Air Force Materiel Command Health & Wellness Team
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.  Most infectious disease experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.  These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.  A person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touch their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Flu vaccine has been shown in research studies to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season.  Your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time.  Yearly vaccination is needed for the best protection.

Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.  People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

Influenza vaccinations for all military members are a mandatory requirement, and available through mobile immunization clinics at each installation or at any participating Tricare eligible pharmacies.  Tricare beneficiaries are also eligible for flu shots through immunization clinics on base, or at no cost at Tricare eligible pharmacies.  For the civilian workforce, all Federal Employee Health Benefit plans cover flu shots at no cost for members and are available at local retail pharmacies.  

The CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses, like flu.  Healthy habits to help prevent flu include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick to help prevent the spreading of your illness to others. 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands often to help protect yourself from germs.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects like phones and doorknobs.
  • Practice other good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

For more information on preventing seasonal flu, visit USAFwellness.com or contact your local Civilian Health Promotion Services team. Comprehensive information on healthy habits to help prevent the flu can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: cdc.gov.

Active duty Airmen are advised to consult their base's medical services to check the availability of the flu vaccine.

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.