Defend against Flu Published Dec. 3, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Eric Bolt 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- In the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets infected with influenza. This leads to more than 200,000 people being hospitalized from complications, and approximately 36,000 deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control. However, precautions can be taken to prevent getting sick this flu season. The spread of the flu can be prevented by doing the following: - Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze - If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands - Put your used tissue into the waste basket - Wash hands with soap and water or clean with an alcohol-based hand cleaner Additionally, the 28th Medical Group is currently offering flu vaccines. All active-duty servicemembers are required to receive the vaccine. Vaccines are offered in the 28th Medical Group conference room from 6 to 8 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, 5 and 7 for all active-duty personnel. "Currently the 28th Medical Group will vaccinate all active-duty members and high-risk individuals who have received a letter or have been directed to receive the shot by their provider," Maj. Jensen said. Once all active-duty members are vaccinated, the 28th Medical Group will begin to vaccinate retirees and dependents, she said. For more information about the flu vaccine, click here.