Want the flu? Then don't read this
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It's the sniffling sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy-head, fever time of the year again.
Flu season began this month and runs through April, peaking in February.
But take heart, early vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family.
When you get the flu, you know you have it. Symptoms usually come on faster than an F-15 lowering the boom in the form of fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue and headaches. It's a sickly subject, but some folks may also have vomiting and diarrhea - though it's more common in children than adults.
And, this nasty bug can also cause other health complications, such as ear infections, pneumonia, dehydration ...
As if that weren't enough, it can also worsen chronic medical conditions like asthma.
Flu is no joke. Serious infections can result in hospitalization or - gasp! - even death.
Pregnant women, elderly adults, young children, and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
But as Smokey Bear might say, "Only you can prevent the flu." Here are some helpful hints:
Avoid hanging out with sick people, and limit your social interactions with others when you're under the weather.
And, for goodness sake, cover it when you cough and sneeze, wash your mits often and keep surfaces and objects sanitized.
While all of that is great, the single most effective way to prevent flu is to put on your brave face and get vaccinated. But if you just can't stand the idea of a shot, take heart! You can also get the flu mist.
According to Staff Sgt. Erica Massey, 78th Medical Group NCOIC, Communicable Disease, the flu shot is a dead virus injected into the muscle and is recommended for all individuals older than 6 months of age.
The mist is a nasal spray of the live weakened virus, which is only recommended for healthy folks between 2 and 49 years of age who aren't pregnant.
High risk patients should be especially on top of their game when it comes to getting vaccinated. Patients will be screened at the Immunizations Clinic to determine if they're able to get the shot or the mist.
Don't forget, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine if you have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, have had a past severe reaction to the vaccine, or are feeling ill. The vaccination has been effective and given for decades to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
So, what are you waiting for? Go get your dog gone flu shot or mist!
Vaccination schedule The 78th Medical Group, located in Bldg. 700, is available for vaccinations for Active Duty and their dependents Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for the second and fourth Thursdays of each month when they are open from 7 to 11 a.m. For details, contact the Immunizations Clinic at (478) 327-7921 or DSN 497-7921.