Welcome to the Flu Season!

  • Published
  • By 48th Medical Group
  • Immunization Clinic
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The influenza (flu) season is rapidly approaching. The peak influenza season typically runs from November to March each year. The influenza virus is responsible for the flu, which can cause fever, headaches and body aches. In rare cases, it can cause pneumonia and even death. 

Among children younger than18 years, there were 83 deaths associated with influenza infections that were reported to the Centers for Disease Control during the 2007-08 season. The risk for complications from the influenza virus is highest in people older than 65, children between the ages of 6 to 36 months, and patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, kidney disease, and patients who have a weak immune system. 

The influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread and complications of the influenza virus. The influenza vaccine is updated every year to ensure it matches the currently circulating virus strain. Immunity from the influenza virus does not occur for about 10 to 14 days from the time you are vaccinated. 

There are two main types of influenza vaccine. One, called FluMist, is a nasal spray and is preferred by the Department of Defense instead of an injection in healthy people aged 2 to 49 years. For those who cannot receive FluMist due to a medical exemption, the standard injectable vaccine will also be available in a smaller quantity. Side effects from both types are vaccines include the possibility of low-grade fever, fatigue, and muscle aches for two to three days after the vaccine is given. The side effects are not the actual flu, but are a normal reaction by the immune system to develop immunity. Patients allergic to eggs should not receive the vaccine until evaluated by an allergist due to a small amount of egg being present in the vaccine. 

The vaccine is MANDATORY for all active duty members and is recommended for the following beneficiaries: 

1. All children aged 6 months to 18 years and all adults 50 years or older.
2. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 50 with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, other types of lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and weak immune systems such as HIV.
3. All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
4. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
5. Health-care workers involved in direct patient care.
6. Any household contact with or caregivers for children less than 5 years old. 

Two doses of the vaccine, administered at least one month apart, are recommended for children less then 9 years of age, who have never received the vaccine before. 

For more information about the influenza vaccine, go to www.cdc.gov website or contact your PCM. 

Beginning on Oct. 27, the influenza vaccine will be available to everyone (spouses, dependents, and retirees) in the Immunization Clinic, Family Practice Clinic and the Pediatric Clinic. (Note: The Family Practice Clinic will be immunizing with FluMist only.)

The Influenza Lines (mass vaccination schedule) for active duty personnel can be found here.