Cooler temperatures mean the onset of influenza season

  • Published
  • By 673d Medical Squadron Staff
  • News release
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  With falling temperatures, winter and the flu season are just around the corner.
Influenza or the flu is different from the common cold and can result in serious complications for certain individuals.

Unlike the stomach flu, influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus.

Symptoms usually come on suddenly and may include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches.

Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) do not cure it. Therefore treatment options for the flu include rest, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol or tobacco use, and taking medications to relieve the symptoms.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine (flu shot or nasal flu spray) each fall. There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu.

The flu shot is a vaccine containing killed virus that is given through a needle, usually in the arm.

The flu shot is approved for use among people 6 months and older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

The other type is a nasal spray, referred to as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.

It contains weakened live viruses, and is administered by a nasal sprayer. It is approved for use in healthy people between the ages of 2-49 years.

Healthy contacts of high risk patients may receive the nasal flu vaccine.

The following people are at high risk for complications of the influenza virus infection:

Children aged 6 to 59 months of age

Children and adolescents (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving 'long-term aspirin therapy' and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection

Pregnant women

People 50 and older

People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma (hypertension is not considered a high-risk condition)

Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (like diabetes), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including those caused by medications or HIV)

Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration

The 673d Medical Group's Immunization Clinic is currently offering flu vaccines to all active-duty personnel and to dependents with chronic medical problems.

Flu lines are being coordinated with the squadrons.

For more information on influenza, contact your primary care provider or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm.