Coming soon … flu season.
But this year, you may notice some changes in the way you receive your flu vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this year decided to recommend a change to the Influenza policy -- by recommending that the Flu Mist no longer be given.
What does this mean for you? If you're active duty, the flu shot is most definitely in your future. If you are a family member, Civilian or Retiree, the flu shot is also in your future, but due to some delays across the country, may take a little longer to get to you.
Not to worry, though, as your healthcare team at Weed Army Community Hospital is actively preparing its flu season plan and will be ready to begin administering the vaccination to active duty, healthcare workers and high-risk personnel as soon as the vaccines arrive - most likely by mid-to-late September to October.
One important thing to note -- if you choose to seek out the Flu Mist at an off-post location, TRICARE will not cover the cost. And, if you're active duty, the mist won't count in MEDPROS as your vaccination -- you'll still have to get a flu shot.
Why the changes to the flu mist? In June, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) found that the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), known by the trade name Flu Mist, showed poor or relatively low effectiveness from 2013 through 2016.
How well the flu vaccine works can range widely from season to season and can be affected by a number of factors, including the similarity between vaccine viruses and circulating viruses.
As you've probably heard in previous years, influenza is transmitted from person to person mainly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Remember, the best way to prevent the spread of the flu is by washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing.
Transmission can also occur when touching surfaces contaminated with influenza virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Transmission can occur from the day before symptoms begin, until about five days after symptoms begin in adults, or up to 10 days or more after symptoms begin in children.
About 50 percent of those infected will develop "classic" influenza disease. This is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, muscle pain, sore throat, nonproductive cough, runny nose, and headache, according to the CDC.
These symptoms generally last from 2 to 3 days. However, some people may experience a loss of strength or energy for several weeks. In addition, some people may develop complications, such as pneumonia.
Rest assured when the flu vaccinations arrive to Fort Irwin, we will keep you posted on when and where vaccines will be available. If you have any questions or concerns about the flu vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.
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