Flu season: What you need to know

  • Published
  • By 412th Medical Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Flu season is officially upon us. If you have ever had the flu, you know it can knock you out, with members of your family, friends, and co-workers not far behind. Today, it's more important than ever to get your facts straight about the flu and what you can do to keep yourself safe and prevent it from spreading.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. While some of the viruses spreading this season are different from what is in the vaccine, vaccination can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. 

Although each flu season is different, 5 to 20% of the population will get the flu each year and between 3,000 and 49,000 will die from it or from complications, with more than 90% of deaths occurring in people over 65.

The vaccine available today protects against the seasonal flu viruses as well as H1N1 and H3N2. All uniformed personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces are mandated to receive the vaccine every year, unless they are medically unable to receive it. It is highly recommended for all other individuals.

Even though vaccination is not 100% guaranteed in preventing the flu, it will significantly help the body's ability to fight back. In addition to vaccination there are everyday preventive methods for minimizing the spread of the flu:

1. Frequent hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the flu and other infections. You may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
2. Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing by coughing or sneezing into your sleeve. You can also prevent the contamination of your hands by using a single-use napkin.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Avoid crowded areas to help prevent the spread of the virus. The flu is easily spread in congregated areas. By reducing exposure to crowded areas you may be able to avoid getting infected.
5. Stay at home when you are sick. You will prevent others from catching your illness.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

You can still get vaccinated with either a flu shot (for people six months and older) or a nasal spray vaccine (for healthy people 2 years through 49 years of age who are not pregnant) at the Main Clinic in Bldg. 5525.  It's important to realize the vaccine does not give you the flu. The flu shot contains inactivated (killed) viruses and the nasal spray contains attenuated (weakened) viruses neither of which can cause the flu.

Stay healthy by following the CDC recommended three‐step approach:  Vaccination, everyday preventive methods and seeking prompt medical attention at the onset of symptoms!