JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Flu activity is rising in the U.S., with most of the country now experiencing high levels of flu-like illnesses.
"We have had a 20-25 percent increase of patient encounters that are seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms," said Maj. Marlo Repeta, Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic Emergent Care Center flight commander.
While there are no guarantees, the best way to avoid the flu is to get the flu vaccine.
"Effectiveness depends on the person's age, health status, and the match between virus strains in the vaccine and those circulating in the community," said Maj. (Dr.) Troy Baker, 779th Medical Group's chief of allergy and immunizations clinic. "Research has shown last year's vaccine to be 60 percent effective for all age groups."
The flu vaccine is currently available to active duty members and eligible beneficiaries through their primary care or immunizations clinics. Flu season can last until May.
Signs and symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. People may experience all or only some of these symptoms, officials said.
Only those who are very sick should go to the emergency room. Seek medical care immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, purple or blue lip discoloration, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, seizures, and flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough.
For questions about flu symptoms, Tricare beneficiaries can communicate with physicians online through MiCARE. To sign up, go to
https://app.relayhealth.com.
MGMC officials offer the following advice:
To prevent spreading the flu, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands frequently with soap and water (use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available), avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, avoid contact with sick people and if you are sick, limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks without medical treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends these individuals stay home and avoid contact with others.
If you are sick with flu symptoms and are in a high-risk group, contact your health care provider for advice.
High risk groups include children younger than five, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and those who are immunosuppressed.
For more information visit
www.cdc.gov/flu.