Don’t let the flu get you Published Feb. 6, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The peak of the flu season is just around the corner, and signs from the U.S. Center For Disease Control indicate more people are experiencing symptoms this year than last year. The CDC tracks influenza activity year-round. According to the CDC, the amount of people in the United States seeing their health care provider for influence-like-illness climbed to 5.6 percent compared to 2.2 percent last year. Some symptoms of the flu include but are not limited to coughing, runny nose, nausea and vomiting. "If you are sick, stay home," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Schmit, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron allergy immunizations technician from Rogers, Ark. "Coming in to work would just increase the likelihood of the virus to spread." Another way to prevent the spread of the flu virus is through immunizations. The immunizations clinic offers an inhalable mist, and injected vaccination to combat the flu. As of mid December, members of the Spangdahlem community are unable get the mist until next flu season due to its shelf life, but the injected vaccination is available until June 2013. Some of the common side effects from the mist include runny nose or nasal congestion, fever, sore throat, cough and aches. Common side effects for the injected vaccine include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was received, fever, aches or cough. The vaccines members of the Spangdahlem community receive help protect an individual from two type A and one type B flu strain, including this year's most prevalent strain the H3N2. However, people must also remember to get the vaccine every year for the most up-to-date protection. "People need to remember if there is a new strain, the previous year's vaccine doesn't protect you," said Maj. Anthony Davis, 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health flight commander. Along with getting the vaccination, people can take additional measures to better their chances of avoiding infection. Over 90 percent of virus transfer can be avoided through washing and sanitizing hands often, Davis said. "Coughing into your arm rather than your hand and dressing correctly for the weather will also greatly decrease risk of infection," Davis said. Full protection against the flu takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine, so people should get it as soon as possible, Davis added of people who have yet to get vaccinated. For more information about the flu vaccinations, call the immunization clinic at DSN 452-8551 or 06565-61-8551.