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Vaccination—The Essential Key to Preventing the Flu

  • Published
  • By 375th Medical Group Public Health Flight
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Autumn is on our doorstep and that means the influenza (flu) season can't be far behind. Some people choose not to be vaccinated due to misperceptions about the vaccination causing the 'flu'. The truth is that the influenza vaccine causes minimal or no side effects in most people. The vaccination helps prevent infection and spread of the flu virus thereby preventing outbreaks and maintaining the health of our fighting force, family members, retirees and other beneficiaries.

Military members are required to receive a flu vaccination every year because on a moments notice they may find themselves halfway around the world, living in crowded conditions and hostile environments--prime settings for flu outbreaks. Having 15 to 20 percent of unit personnel sidelined for one to two weeks with the flu can seriously compromise a mission. However, a simple painless flu vaccination can prevent the disease completely or minimize its impact if infection does occur. Within days of being vaccinated the body's immune system is busy producing antibodies which help prevent flu infection. Unlike many viruses, the genetic make-up of the flu virus changes yearly. Every year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collects flu virus samples from around the world for analysis. Based on genetic changes that have occurred from the previous year, a new flu vaccine is developed. This year's vaccine includes strains from South Dakota Brisbane, Uruguay and Florida.

Additional measures for preventing the flu can be nearly as important as the vaccination itself. These include: washing hands frequently, staying home and avoiding contact with others while sick and covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. All of these measures are essential in reducing chance of infection each year.

Occasionally, a yearly flu strain can be particularly devastating. For instance, flu strains from 1918, 1957 and 1968 resulted in flu pandemics that spread worldwide resulting in millions of people becoming sick and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Any type of flu can be particularly severe, especially to the very young, the elderly, or those with diseases that suppress the immune system such as diabetes, AIDS or other chronic illness. Some of the common symptoms for seasonal flu which may begin one to three days after being infected and last up to 14 days include:
 Fever (usually 101.5°F to 103°F)
 Respiratory symptoms such as: Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and headaches
 Muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

The 375th Medical Group's goal this year is to provide outstanding service with visits to large squadrons and also at our convenient mass flu vaccination sites. Mass flu vaccination sites will be designated and advertised once adequate quantities of flu vaccine is received.

For any questions regarding the flu vaccinations or other seasonal flu issues, please call the Scott AFB Influenza Hotline Number at 256-4161.