Flu vaccines available for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan H. Sternbach
  • 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Flu vaccinations are now available for active duty servicemembers at the Immunizations Clinic during the following hours:

Monday 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Flu vaccinations for dependents and civilians will be available Oct. 11.

Seasonal influenza epidemics occur annually throughout the world. Estimates of influenza related events include 95 million infections, 25 million physician visits, 200,000 hospitalizations and, on average, 36,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Outbreaks of the flu occur in different seasonal patterns. Flu season usually begins when cold weather appears, beginning in the late fall and peaking in mid to late winter.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death.

People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following symptoms:

· Fever or feeling feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (tiredness)
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

Serious problems from influenza can happen at any age; however, people more than 65 years of age and those who have an impaired immune response are at higher risk of developing serious flu related complications if they become ill.

The flu virus spreads through the air when a person who has the virus sneezes, coughs or speaks. Additionally, a person can catch the flu if they touch an object someone with the virus has touched, sneezed or coughed on. The best way to reduce your risk of becoming ill is by receiving your annual flu vaccine.

Additional preventive measures include covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Lastly, try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you or your family members develop flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

For more information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm or call RAFL Public Health at 226-8777.

Source Information: www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm