Flu season=vaccination Published Oct. 8, 2008 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, 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--typically referred to as "flu-like" symptoms. 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 an inactive vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given in a syringe 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 flu vaccine. It is referred to as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine or a LAIV. The nasal flu vaccine contains weakened live viruses, and is administered by a nasal sprayer. It is approved for use only 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 6-59 months of age · Children and adolescents (aged 6 months--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 years of age 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 (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunodeficiency (including immunodeficiency caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) · Adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration · Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions The 3rd Medical Group's Immunization Clinic is currently offering flu vaccines to all TRICARE beneficiaries. Flu shots are available in the Immunization Clinic Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on a walk-in basis. For more information on influenza, contact your primary care provider or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm