Influenza Prevention Published Jan. 24, 2018 By Tracy L. Middleton 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Influenza season has arrived. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health the most common flu strain this season is associated with more severe symptoms. While the majority of Scott Air Force Base personnel have been vaccinated which will help prevent illnesses, there is more you can do to reduce the spread of influenza. - It is not too late to get a flu shot, and while it is not 100% effective at preventing flu it can reduce the severity of the disease and prevent further spread. - Try to avoid close contact with sick people, you know. - Avoid Crowds! This prevents contact with sick people you don’t know. During the cold winter days people tend to congregate indoors, which facilitates germ spread. - If you develop a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks. (This should be without the help of a fever reducing medicine.) This keeps your germs out of work and schools. - Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; to avoid contaminating your hands, use a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow. - Wash your hands often with soap and water, when not immediately available substitute an alcohol based-hand sanitizer. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, this prevents the transfer of germs from surfaces to favored entry points into your respiratory system. - Clean and disinfect common surfaces and objects frequently touched. (i.e. desk surfaces, telephones, pens, door knobs, etc.) - Politely avoid shaking hands as a greeting during cold and flu season. - Avoid sharing commonly used items; pens and the like get passed around carry germs. - Finally maintain a healthy life style: good nutrition, rest, exercise, and stress reduction will help reduce physical susceptibility.