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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 8, 2009

12th Medical Group highlights flu symptoms, preventions

By Sean Bowlin 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

With seasonal influenza season approaching, the 12th Medical Group is vaccinating Team Randolph Airmen and family members. 

Physicians at the 12th MDG want Team Randolph's population to be aware of seasonal influenza's warning signs, symptoms and what to do if stricken with it. 

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is contagious and is caused by an influenza virus type, said physicians at the 12th MDG. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or touching something with flu viruses -- then touching the eyes, mouth or nose. Most flu viruses are contagious from one day before symptoms develop and continue to be contagious for up to five days after becoming sick. 

Maj. (Dr.) Susannah Simone, 12th MDG pediatrics flight commander and immunizations officer-in-charge, said the symptoms of flu include fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, coughs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and congestion. 

If sick, there are some things a person can do, she added. 

"Drink plenty of fluids, wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home - and minimize your exposure to others," she explained. She added, "It's also important to consult a health care provider about any possible special care needed if pregnant or if patients have a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema." 

It's not necessary to always be tested for the flu, she added. 

"Since there have been more than a million cases, the Centers for Disease Control recommends testing only for those individuals who are severely ill enough to be hospitalized, so routine testing isn't needed," said Major Simone. 

That's different than was the case in May, because the CDC was initially tracking the number of flu cases. Then, the recommendation was to test any symptomatic patient with fever and cough. Now, she added, the CDC is not requiring testing of all patients. 

Flu patients, Major Simone also said, should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever. The 12th MDG will treat severely ill, hospitalized patients and high-risk patients with Tamiflu who are within the first 48 hours of experiencing flu symptoms.

High-risk patients, she said, are people 65 years and older, children less than five years old, pregnant women and anyone with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, suppressed immune systems, neuro-cognitive disorders and neuromuscular disorders. 

Seasonal flu vaccines for high-risk dependents and active duty Airmen are available now at the 12th MDG Immunizations Clinic, the major said. Vaccinations will also be given throughout the base by the 12th MDG at the following times and locations:

Oct. 13 -- Youth Center, 4-6 p.m.--for children who attend there, plus their parents and siblings

Oct. 14 -- Air Education and Training Command, Bldg. 905, 9-11 a.m., active duty only

Oct. 15 and 16 -- Base Theater, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., active duty only

Oct. 29 and 30 -- Base Theater, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., all government cardholders

Oct. 31 -- Hangar 4, Retiree Appreciation Day, 9 am to 12 :30 p.m., for all retired beneficiaries