Now's the Time to Think

  • Published
  • By Marilyn Leggett, RN
  • Civilian Health Promotion Service
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  While summer still reminds us of its presence, flu season waits around the corner. 

Influenza season begins in November and runs through March/April with the season peaking in February. While flu is an extremely uncomfortable illness, more importantly, flu can be a deadly illness. It accounts for approximately 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations each year. It is important to plan an annual vaccine in the early fall especially if in an "at risk" group, such as being older or with compromised immunity. Be sure to check with your physician to find out if vaccination is especially vital. 

Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by a virus. Flu virus often infects the lungs but can also infect other parts of the body. Flu is also highly contagious so, once it starts to spread, up to half the people in a community can catch it. A person with the flu may be contagious for a week or longer. Also, there is a new vaccine every year because flu viruses change from year to year. 

Flu symptoms usually begin about 1-4 days after being infected with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may include: chills and shaking, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints, loss of appetite, weakness, sore throat and runny nose. Rest helps the body recover. It is common to be weak and tired for weeks after the main symptoms resolve. Common complications include: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and lung infections. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) includes fever, headache, body aches, dry cough, and overall discomfort. Flu, pneumonia, and SARS can be deadly. 

Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent getting ill. If flu germs get on a person's hands, individuals can infect themselves by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Hand washing will also help protect others. The flu virus can also be passed via coughs or sneezing and people with flu can contaminate doorknobs, telephones, or faucets. It's especially important to cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing then wash the hands well. 

Preventive health practices are important to keep you healthy such as eating a healthy diet, sleeping well, exercising regularly and reducing stress. Smoking can cause damage that may increase your risk of getting a serious case of flu. 

The best time to get a flu shot is approximately mid-October to mid-November. While National Influenza Vaccination Week is recognized November 26-December 2, it is always best to have a healthcare provider decide what is right and answer individual questions. 

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/flu or the American Public Health Association's "Get Ready for Flu" campaign at www.getreadyforflu.org/newsite. 

Civilian Health Promotion Service (CHPS) is a prevention and wellness program for DoD appropriated-funded Civilians on AFMC installations. For questions or more information, call Eglin CHPS at 883-8024/8025.