Dyess faces flu season

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess medical officials are encouraging people to get their influenza vaccinations when they become available. 

"The influenza vaccine is a really effective way of preventing the flu," said Master Sgt. Grant Gibson, 7th Medical Group NCOICof public health. "Within the next few weeks, the medical group will begin giving out vaccinations. The order of the vaccinations will go to first responders, high-risk individuals such as infants and elderly people, remaining active-duty members, and then family members." 

The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness that kills approximately 36,000 Americans from complications and hospitalizes nearly 200,000 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu symptoms include muscle aches, runny nose, dry sore throat, cough, fever and chills. 

Some people such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. 

The vaccination is a mist and is mandatory for all active-duty members during the fall and early spring when the flu season peaks, Sergeant Gibson said. 

It takes about two weeks to develop an immunity after getting the vaccination.
However, vaccinations are not the only way to remain healthy during the season. 

"It's very important to remember to wash your hands and be careful not to touch the face after contact with someone who is sick," Sergeant Gibson said. 

So what should people do if they come down with flu-like symptoms? 

"If you are sick you need to be careful with whom you come in contact and wash your hands on a regular basis," the sergeant said. "The best solution to getting over the flu is rest and drinking plenty of liquids." 

A healthy adult can infect others within one day before getting symptoms and sometimes up to five after being sick, according to the CDC. 

Because of the risk of infecting others, it is important to get an appointment by calling the 7th MDG appointment line and stay away from the work center, said Sergeant Gibson.
"A flu vaccination and a healthy routine should help make Dyess work centers flu-free," Sergeant Gibson said. 

For more information about flu-like symptoms, contact the 7th MDG appointment line at 696-4677.