8th MDG protects force from flu

  • Published
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications after contracting the influenza virus.

To help protect the men and women of Kunsan, the 8th Medical Group is administering flu shots and mist from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 13, at the base theater. Health officials stress the importance of receiving vaccinations against the flue, and stress that the vaccine itself does not cause the flu.

"The flu shot is not a live virus," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Corley, 8th Medical Operations Squadron immunizations NCO in charge. "But it could cause flu-like symptoms to help build the immune system up."

Which form of protection depends on the patients' age and overall health, with the flu shot being reserved for patients 50 and older, or patients who have health issues such as asthma, diabetes or other immune system disorders.

The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine containing a killed virus. The "flu mist" is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray; however, the viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu.

"Preferably, if they are without health issues we would like for them to get the mist," Corley said. "If they can't receive the mist due to health issues or age, then we have a flu shot."

Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

To help prevent the spread of the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following recommendations:

- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.