Tips for keeping the flu away from you Published Feb. 20, 2008 By Capt. Sandra Aguillon 47th Aeromedical Dental Squadron LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The major news outlets have been reporting for the last few days about the nationwide increase in flu cases being reported. This is a normal event for most flu seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an advisory posted on their website at http://www.cdc.gov. According to the CDC, "Flu activity is just starting to pick up in the U.S. and could continue into April or May". The CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services are reporting widespread Influenza-Like-Illness across Texas. Every year, the Public Health flight monitors the influenza seasons' impact on Laughlin AFB personnel. Currently, we are seeing a slight increase in the number of cases versus this time last year and only a slight increase over the average number of cases for the last six years. People begin to show symptoms one to three days after they are infected with the influenza virus. Symptoms usually begin abruptly with fever of 102-104 F. Often chills, severe headache and muscle aches also occur. Victims often have a dry cough with severe chest pain. Influenza patients usually don't have runny noses or nasal congestion, which may distinguish the disease from the common cold or sinusitis. Most healthy adults will weather influenza within a week with bed rest, fluids, and medication for fever and muscle aches. However, fatigue may last for three to four weeks after the acute symptoms are gone. The fever usually resolves on the fifth day of illness. Fever that recurs or does not resolve by the fifth day may indicate a secondary bacterial infection and the febrile patient should seek medical care. 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, classrooms and work centers. Transmission may also occur by direct contact with infected objects, since the influenza virus may persist for hours, particularly in the cold and in low humidity. Those infected are able to infect others only during the first 3-5 days from the onset of symptoms. Therefore, they are usually no longer infective when they have sufficiently recovered from their symptoms and they are able to return to work. Viral spreading ends once the member's temperature returns to normal without over-the-counter the use of medications. Some basic prevention methods that help prevent the spread of influenza are: o If you have not received your flu vaccine, get one! Ensure family members get one as well. Tricare eligible personnel can receive vaccination at the 47 MDG on LAFB and all others may receive vaccination via the DSHS who offer flu vaccination at an affordable cost. DSHS can be contacted at 768-2800 to schedule an appointment. DSHS Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00 p.m. o Isolate those ill with influenza, especially with fevers, preferably at home. o Encourage frequent hand washing, especially after contact with those who have respiratory illnesses. o Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a disposable tissue. Wash hands immediately after using them to cover a cough or sneeze. o Limit use of common-use items in the workplace to prevent the spread of germs. These include copiers, fax machines, tools, etc. If hand-washing facilities aren't readily available, consider placing anti-viral hand wipes or lotions near such equipment to be applied before and/or after use of the equipment. o Stop smoking! 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. o Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children. Warning signs that require urgent medical attention. o In children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash o In adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting For details contact Public Health at 298-6380.