Medics ready Team McChord for flu season

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  With the flu season upon us, 62nd Medical Squadron officials have implemented a vaccination plan and are urging Airmen and their families to get vaccinated. 

Vaccination is the most important way to prevent catching or spreading the flu, said Col. (Dr.) Catherine Bard, 62nd Medical Squadron commander. 

"From purely a readiness viewpoint, we encourage vaccinations to help mitigate mission degradation due to illness," Dr. Bard said. "But in a larger sense, it is done to prevent potential complications resulting from the flu, including unnecessary hospitalizations or even deaths." 

Since the H1N1 is a new strain, individuals will not have immunity, thus a new vaccine has been created and individuals will be given the new H1N1 vaccine in addition to the season flu vaccine in order to provide the greatest protection this flu season, said Capt. Nilani Jayatilaka, 62nd MDS chief of public health. 

Recently, the Federal Drug Administration approved the H1N1 vaccine for distribution. The 2009 H1N1 vaccines induce a robust immune response in most healthy adults eight to 10 days after a single dose, as occurs with the seasonal flu vaccine. The new H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available for active duty servicemembers within the next few months. 

Influenza is an illness with symptoms consisting of fever (temperature at or greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), sore throat, cough and general malaise. It is transmitted from person-to-person by contact or by droplets from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms of the flu usually last from five to ten days and can vary in intensity based upon the individual. 

If individuals catch the flu, they are encouraged to cover their cough with their sleeve or tissue and throw the tissue away. It is also recommended they wash their hands often with soap and water and use hand sanitizer when water is not available. 

"When folks think they have the flu, the easiest way to prevent the spread to others is to simply go home," Dr. Bard said. 

As for treating the flu, over the counter Tylenol or Motrin, decongestants and throat lozenges will help lessen discomfort. Antibiotics, however, are not useful in the treatment of viral infections. 

Airmen should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved without having to use medication to control the fever, she said. 

"You don't need to be seen or evaluated by a medical professional unless you develop complications such as difficulty breathing, drinking or eating, fever uncontrolled with medication, a severe headache or rash or you are concerned because your symptoms are not resolving or improving within a few days of the initial fever," Dr. Bard said. 

McChord is receiving the seasonal flu vaccine in shipments containing approximately 500 doses per delivery. 

For family members and retirees, the McChord Medical Clinic offers seasonal flu vaccination drives Oct. 5 and 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. TriCare Prime patients enrolled at the McChord Medical Clinic may walk in for vaccinations anytime during those hours. Children must be registered in DEERS. Children ages 10 and older must present with a valid ID card. Parents must accompany children up to age 18 and bring the child's shot records. Influenza vaccinations are also given during normal clinic hours, weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The clinic advises that vaccination not be given prior to Oct. 1 to maximize effectiveness. Information regarding H1N1 (Swine) Flu vaccination for active duty and family members will be made available at a future date.