Important information regarding influenza virus Published Dec. 1, 2008 By 52nd Medical Group SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Every year, the 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health flight monitors the influenza season's impact on Spangdahlem Air Base and the surrounding area. Currently, there is no increase in the number of cases versus this time last year. But it is still early in the season and typically the flu season reaches its peak in January or February. It is not too late to get a flu shot and it is a mandatory readiness requirement for all active-duty personnel. The flu shot is also highly-recommended for high-risk personnel including anyone over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, those with chronic health problems, and anyone living with them or taking care of them. People begin to show symptoms one to three days after they are infected with the influenza virus. Symptoms usually begin abruptly with a fever of 102-104 F. Chills, severe headaches and muscle aches also occur. Victims often have a dry cough with severe chest pain. Influenza patients typically do not have runny noses or nasal congestion, which may distinguish the disease from the common cold or sinusitis. Influenza virus is spread primarily by breathing airborne virus particles in infected droplets, usually from coughing or sneezing. This type of spread predominates among crowded populations in enclosed spaces, such as school buses or classrooms. Since the influenza virus may persist for hours, particularly in the cold and in low humidity, transmission may also occur by direct contact with contaminated objects. Those infected are able to infect others only during the first three to five days from the onset of symptoms. Therefore, they are usually no longer infective when they have sufficiently recovered from their symptoms and are able to return to work. Viral spreading ends once the member's temperature returns to normal without the use of medications. Some basic methods that help prevent the spread of influenza are: · Receiving the flu shot · Encourage frequent hand washing, especially after contact with those who have respiratory illnesses · Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably into sleeve (or a disposable tissue). Wash hands immediately after using them to cover a cough or sneeze · Limit use of common-use items in the workplace to prevent the spread. These include copiers, fax machines, tools, etc. If hand washing facilities aren't readily available, consider placing anti-viral hand wipes or lotions near equipment to be applied before and/or after use of the equipment · Smoking is a risk factor for susceptibility to influenza and increases the severity of the disease. Also, a more dangerous secondary illness, pneumonia, is more common in smokers · Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including those age 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children Warning signs that require urgent medical attention: · In children: o Fast or troubled breathing o Bluish skin color o Not drinking enough fluids o Not waking up or not interacting o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held o Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough o Fever with a rash · In adults: o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen o Sudden dizziness o Confusion o Severe or persistent vomiting For more information, access the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Influenza Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.