Keesler's hospital prepares for flu season Published Oct. 2, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Justin Worth 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler's hospital is gearing up for flu season. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Illness can be mild to severe and most people are sick for about a week. Influenza typically results in bad headaches, fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, aches and pains. Every year in the United States, on average five to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. Small children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical problems or those who are immune-compromised are most susceptible. The flu virus spreads through coughing, sneezing or touching something with flu virus on it and then touching one's mouth or nose. Infected persons can spread the flu virus to others as early as one day prior to symptoms developing and up to five days after becoming sick. This means some people may be able to pass the flu to others before they even know they are sick. Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you or your child contract the flu, stay at home and get lots of rest. Drink plenty of water and avoid using tobacco products. Most adults and children two years or older can usually be given over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms. If you notice any of the following symptoms, immediately seek medical care: · fast breathing or trouble breathing or shortness of breath · skin that looks blue · not drinking enough or dehydration · confusion, not waking up, not wanting to be held, seizures · worsening fever and cough after symptoms improve · medical conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes) that get worse · pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen · sudden dizziness · severe or persistent vomiting There are precautions people can take to reduce the risk of acquiring or spreading the flu. Get the flu vaccine. Flu mist and flu shots are currently available at the Keesler Immunizations Clinic for all medical beneficiaries. Vaccination lines have been arranged for select units - medical, base first responders and the student population. Avoid people who are sick and large crowds. Wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your face. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cover your mouth with your upper sleeve, not your hands. At work, it is very important to inform your supervisor if you think you have the flu. You may be asked to wear a mask, sent for a flu test and/or asked to go home. If you go to the hospital, it is important to inform the front desk if you think you have the flu. Medical staff may request a mask be worn to protect other patrons and patients. There are several myths and facts about the flu: Myth: The flu vaccine causes the flu. Fact: The licensed flu vaccine shot used in the United States, which is made from inactivated or killed influenza viruses, cannot cause influenza infection and does not cause influenza illness. Myth: The Flu shot is more effective than the mist or the mist causes the flu. Fact: The shot and the mist are equally effective. "Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are attenuated (weakened) and cannot cause flu illness (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm#give-you-the-flu)." Myth: Flu vaccine is not very effective. Fact: When the vaccine viruses and circulating viruses are well matched, vaccine can be very effective. However, flu vaccine only provides protection against influenza. People who have received flu vaccine may subsequently develop a respiratory illness that is due to another virus, but is mistaken for flu. More information about influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/