Colder temperatures may make it easier to catch a cold or worse; the flu!

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  During the winter, many events bring people together - whether for a holiday party or just school being in session.  Sometimes a big gathering isn't always the best during the cold and flu season, but steps can be taken to protect yourself from illness.

There are many ways to avoid catching the common cold or influenza virus.

"Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and preventing interaction with others currently experiencing the symptoms of a cold or flu can prevent catching these illnesses," said Air Force Capt. Michelle Pinson, 673d Medical Operations Squadron chief of allergy and immunization.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov, viruses can enter the body through the nose, eyes and mouth, so wash up before rubbing your eyes or after sneezing.

For some, figuring out the differences between colds and flu is difficult.

Colds usually include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and coughing, which can last up to two weeks according to www.cdc.gov.

Influenza symptoms are usually more severe, and include fever, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, headaches and body aches. The best way to prevent flu is by getting the vaccine, as a shot or nasal spray.

"The nasal spray contains the weakened live viruses, which can help protect patients almost immediately," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Renee Benningfield, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the 673d MDOS allergy and immunization clinic. "Some who receive the flu mist may notice it can cause cold-like symptoms."

The nasal spray is an option for special patients. Those individuals may include children age six months to 5 years old, pregnant women, individuals over 50, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and individuals living in long-term care facilities or nursing homes.

The flu shot does not typically give the patient the same symptoms, but some patients may have minor side effects.

"The shot is a vaccine containing the killed virus and generally takes up to two weeks to develop protection against the flu virus," Pinson said. "Some common side effects of the flu shot are arm soreness and maybe local redness and tenderness for a few days. People who do get the shot can do arm stretches the day of receiving the shot to help reduce soreness."

"If patients do get the flu and start to experience worsening symptoms, they are advised to go to the nearest hospital for care in case we have to treat them for severe dehydration," Pinson said.

Currently, the 673d Medical Group is offering flu vaccines to all military members and their families at the immunization clinic Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. These vaccines contain egg, so those who are allergic to egg products must inform the nurse about their allergy before the shot is administered. Local pharmacies can administer flu vaccines for those who want one without egg product, Pinson said.

For more information about colds, flu or any other communicable diseases, visit www.cdc.gov or the 673d MDG immunization clinic at 580-5812.