CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
It's that time of year again ... start thinking about flu season!
Influenza, better known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that primarily spreads from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Thousands of individuals die each year in the United States and across the world from influenza or influenza-related complications.
The flu can affect anyone; however, the elderly, children and individuals with health complications or weakened immune systems are the most at risk. The symptoms of influenza can include fever, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, extreme fatigue and a severe and often prolonged cough.
As Air Force members, we fall into a unique category of people. A high level of fitness and wellness is essential for conducting our mission. If several Airmen from a section are out due to influenza, a plane may not get repaired or loaded, a provider may not be able to care for people, or a plane cannot fly. Your health is indeed a force multiplier.
As a force multiplier, it is imperative that everyone comply and be vaccinated against influenza. All active duty are required to be vaccinated. There are two methods in which Airmen will be vaccinated.
The first is being vaccinated with Flumist™. This vaccine is better known as the "nose spray." This is the preferred method for healthy, non-pregnant individuals five to 49 years of age. This method has advantages of creating mucosal and blood system immune response and is easier to administer than the intramuscular route.
The second method is the traditional "shot." This method may be given to all people greater than six months of age. One will have a blood immune response from this method. This method is used for those that the Flumist™ is contraindicated. Your healthcare provider will provide you with which method is optimal for you.
Presently, the 437th Medical Group has a limited supply of the flu-vaccine. As of now, direct healthcare providers and those deploying within the next 45 days will be immunized. The rest of the base population, to include all empanelled to the medical clinic, will be immunized based upon the prioritization set forth by the 437 MDG commander and the Influenza Working Group based upon Department of Defense and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
The medical group is committed to optimizing your health. They ask you to be an active partner in maintaining your health, which includes keeping your immunization status current. Updates will occur throughout the fall on the availability of the flu vaccine and times to be immunized.
For further information about influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides some resources at
www.cdc.gov/flu.