Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It spreads from person to person by droplets that are released in the air when we cough or sneeze.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, it can lead to death. In the United States, yearly outbreaks of seasonal influenza usually happen during the fall through early spring.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, continues to recommend annual influenza vaccinations for all persons 6 months of age and older.
Special efforts should be made to vaccinate those at high risk from influenza complications to include pregnant women, children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and those with certain medical conditions.
Flu symptoms include fever, headaches, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and fatigue. Some people, commonly children, may have vomiting and diarrhea. People who have the flu usually feel some or all of these symptoms.
Complications from the flu can worsen for people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure and blood disorders, and for people with suppressed immunity. Young children, older adults and pregnant women also are at risk for complications.
Flu vaccination is recommended for these at-risk groups by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC; the Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Department of Defense.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year.
Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Influenza seasons are unpredictable, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as flu season vaccine becomes available in the community.
A flu vaccine is needed every year, because flu viruses are constantly changing. It's not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with the flu viruses as they change.
Taking some simple steps, like washing your hands to stop the spread of germs and getting an annual flu vaccine, can help protect you from the flu.
Flu vaccination clinics, hours
USA MEDDAC Fort Drum will offer flu vaccinations at the Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic throughout the 2015-16 season.
The Primary Care Clinic now provides walk-in influenza vaccinations for Family Members and retirees who are TRICARE beneficiaries.
Vaccines will be given at the Guthrie EFMP reception area / main atrium from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 25.
Starting Dec. 1, walk-ins can be arranged through assigned Patient Centered Medical Home teams from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays.
All eligible Department of Defense Civilian Employees can now receive their flu vaccine at the Occupational Health Clinic (Bldg. 11058, Mount Belvedere Boulevard) from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Active-duty Soldiers will receive flu vaccinations by unit appointments only. For more information, Soldiers should consult their chain of command.
Pregnant women are at high risk for illness caused by influenza. The OB/GYN Clinic, Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, will provide flu vaccinations for pregnant women during their scheduled patient appointments.
Contractors are not eligible to receive the vaccine through MEDDAC; however, they are encouraged to obtain it through their personal health care provider or local public health department.
Flu fairs for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries and retirees will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. Saturday and Oct. 24, at Clark Hall.
Remember that getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.
For updates and additional information, call the Fort Drum Flu Hotline at 772-5044.
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