How to stay 'flu-free' this season

  • Published
  • 374th Medical Group
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from the common cold in that people with colds rarely get fevers, headaches or experience extreme exhaustion, which are symptoms of the flu. 

This flu season, there's a new virus called H1N1 may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. 

H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called "swine flu" at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. Influenza is unpredictable, but scientists believe that the new H1N1 virus will cause more illness, hospital stays and deaths around the world over the coming months than seasonal flu. 

Both novel H1N1 and seasonal flu are spread through coughing, sneezing, even touching. You can get the flu from the cough or sneeze of someone who has it, or 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. 

People with the flu are contagious one day before their symptoms start and for up to seven days after symptoms appear. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with H1N1 flu.

The flu starts suddenly and may include some of the following:
■ Fever (usually high)
■ Headache
■ Extreme Tiredness
■ Dry cough
■ Sore throat
■ Runny or stuffy nose
■ Body aches
■ Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea); these are more common in children than in adults. 

The 374th Medical Group recommends the following steps to help prevent the spread of the flu:

■ Wash your hands often or use alcohol-based products will help protect you from germs. To wash your hands properly, wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Then rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds. Rinse hands well under running water and dry hands using paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door.
■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
■ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs and getting sick. Be sure to throw away the tissues immediately after use.
■ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
■ If you are sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Recommend seeking medical assistance for proper assessment/treatment.
■ The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu. All personnel will receive a seasonal vaccination and also an H1N1 vaccination, which is a 2 shot series. Stay tuned for additional information regarding the availability of flu shots this year.
■ If you need to see a healthcare provider, contact 225-8864 or dial 911 for emergency.
■ For more information on flu you can visit the following Web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.flumist.com/