The Flu Season is upon us

Published Nov. 4, 2009
By Master Sgt. Paul Kilgallon
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- During the first two days of the November Operational Readiness Exercise, more than 40 Airmen from Osan Air Base were seen by medical personnel from 51st Medical Group because they were experiencing Influenza-like illness symptoms.

According to Maj. Christine Cornish, the Public Health Flight commander at the 51st Medical Group, both novel H1N1 and the seasonal flu are present on the peninsula and are easily spread through droplet transmission by coughing, sneezing and even touching.
She said that you can catch the flu from a cough or a sneeze of someone who is infected, or by touching a surface that someone with the flu has recently touched - such as a door knob, stair railing, keyboard or telephone - and then by touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

So, how do you know if you have the flu?

The 51st MDG Public Health office says if you have some of the following symptoms there is good possibility that you may have the flu:

- A fever of higher than 100.5°F
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or nausea

Major Cornish also said it is imperative Team Osan members who have the flu understand they are contagious to others and can remain so for up to seven days after the initial symptoms appear.

Recently, the 51st MDG received H1N1 vaccinations for all military members stationed at Osan Air Base. Additionally, base officials said vaccinations for family members will arrive shortly.

"The focus right now is to get all of our Airmen in the wing vaccinated as soon as possible," said Col. Mark Mattison, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander. "Once they are taken care of, we can focus on vaccinating the rest of our team members."

The new H1N1 vaccine is a "killed" or inactivated virus which will not "give you the flu" or make you infectious to others.

"Most individuals will experience no side effects," said Major Cornish. "But for those that do, the symptoms will be mild and can include minor body aches or headaches that readily respond to over the counter medications."

"These side effects are actually the result of the body mounting an immune response to the vaccine, which is actually a good sign," she added.

To reduce your chance of becoming infected with the flu, getting vaccinated and following common sense hygiene basics are paramount. All airmen should remember the following:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based products to protect from germs.
- Turn on the water, rinse hands, pour soap into hands and lather for at least 20 seconds, getting between fingers and under nails.
- Rinse hands again, use a paper towel to dry hands and to turn off water. Also use the paper towel to open the door.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and do not expose others to you or your family if sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Stay home from work or school when you are sick as it puts others at risk, as well as yourself and slows your recovery.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs and getting sick. Be sure to throw away the tissues immediately after use.

Major Cornish said that the single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu.

For more information on the H1N1 or seasonal flu, please contact the 51st MDG Public Health office at 784-4494 or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.