66 MDG offers key facts on seasonal influenza Published Sept. 15, 2009 By Capt. Kerry Ciolek 66th Medical Group Public Health Element chief HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles by the 66th Medical Group to inform the Hanscom community of key facts concerning seasonal influenza and the H1N1 influenza. What is Influenza, " flu", and how does it differ from the common cold? The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. In the United States, on average 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from seasonal flu-related causes. How does the flu spread, and how long are you contagious? The flu is spread from person to person in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or spreads the virus into the air and then another person inhales the virus. You can also get the flu by touching a surface with virus-containing droplets that someone with the flu has touched (such as a door knob, stair railing or telephone) and then putting that finger or hand in contact with your nose, mouth or eyes. Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. People with the flu are contagious one day before their symptoms start and for up to five days after getting sick. What are the symptoms of the flu? The flu starts suddenly and may include some of the following: fever, usually high 102 - 104°F, extreme tiredness, severe muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea may be found in children. Prevention Measures: 1) Get Vaccinated. - The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. 2) Avoid close contact. - Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 3) Cover your mouth and nose. - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 4) Clean your hands. - Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. 5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. - Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 6) Practice other good health habits. - Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Currently, the 66th Medical Group has an initial limited allotment of the seasonal flu vaccinations only for high risk children ages 6 months to 18 years. These children's homes have been contacted. The emphasis is to first provide vaccinations to groups who are at higher risk for influenza infection or complications. As additional supplies are received, information on the availability of the vaccine will be advertised to the Hanscom community. The Immunization clinic's hours of operation are: The Immunization clinic's hours of operation are as follows: Monday, Thursday, Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to noon; and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Patients should take note that the clinic closes at noon on the first Friday of every month. This article does not address novel H1N1 Influenza directly however, additional guidance and information will be provided in future articles. For more information on Flu go online to: http://www.cdc.gov/flu, www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu or contact the Public Health office at 781-377-8084.