Stay healthy this winter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  With the cooler months rolling in, Yokota members are urged to practice good hygiene in order to stay healthy this winter.

"People tend to stay indoors more during cooler months and are in close proximity to others, making transmission of respiratory pathogens more likely," said Staff Sgt. Jessica Roofe, 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of Community Health. "Also, because school is in session, kids are around each other all day and are not afraid to share their germs."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, everyone six months of age and older should receive an annual influenza vaccine.

"The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top three influenza viruses that experts predict will be the most common during the flu season," said Capt. Starrina Gianelloni, 374th Medical Operations Squadron Immunization Clinic staff pediatrician and element leader. "Good immunity to the flu prevents secondary complications, such as pneumonia, especially for individuals that are at higher risk due to age or medical conditions."

People can also stay healthy this winter by covering their coughs, avoiding other sick people and frequently washing their hands.

"It is especially important to wash hands after contact with public surfaces, such as door handles and phones, and to use a tissue to dry nose secretions," said Roofe.
During the 2012-2013 Influenza Campaign, 374 MDG personnel have already visited 80 percent of all the active duty units on Yokota to administer the flu vaccine.

"We are officially beginning our vaccination of Department of Defense beneficiaries with a mass vaccination on Oct. 13 at the Yokota Community Center," said Maj. Renee Daye, 374 MDG Health Care integrator. "Additionally, our 'high-risk' population is being notified to report to the immunization clinic to obtain their vaccines as soon as possible."

The 374 MDG offers the flu nasal spray or shot as recommended for age (50 years or older) and medical conditions per CDC guidelines. They offer walk-in services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.

For more information on how to avoid becoming ill, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.