Flu prevention, immunization tips

  • Published
  • By By Maj. Karee Jensen
  • 28th Medical Group
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Medical Group reminds members that although flu season may begin in late fall, the most prevalent part of flu season is December through March. 

Influenza, the virus that causes the flu, is spread by droplets from the mouth and nose. If someone with the flu sneezes or coughs, the virus is then released into the air and onto whatever that person touches. From there the virus can then be passed on to others. 

The flu has the potential to last anywhere from two to seven days, most commonly lasting four to five days. People with the flu usually run a fever, have aches and pains, feel exhausted, experience severe headaches and may have cold symptoms. These symptoms occur more rapidly than with a cold. People with the flu are also typically unable to perform daily activities due to the illness and there is no cure for the flu. 

Immunizations become available in the fall. There are many different strains of the virus and they mutate frequently. The flu immunization provides immunity to the strain of influenza that was spread the previous year. However, because the influenza virus mutates so frequently, the vaccine may not necessarily provide complete immunity to the flu. 

To help fight this, the 28th Medical Group has the flu shot and FluMist available to TRICARE beneficiaries Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 7:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays 8 to 11:45 a.m.; Thursdays 8 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. 

For more information call Maj. Jensen at 385-3166.