Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by diverse influenza viruses. It spreads by droplets that are released in the air when a person coughs or sneezes. It can cause mild to severe illness, and in some extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
In the United States, yearly outbreaks of seasonal flu occur during the fall through early spring. This year's flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season: influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus and influenza B virus.
Flu symptoms include fever, headaches, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, and fatigue. Some people, commonly children, also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People who have the flu usually feel some or all of these signs and symptoms.
Complications from the flu can worsen for people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, blood disorders and suppressed immunity. Also at-risk for complications are young children, older adults and pregnant women. Flu vaccination is recommended for these at risk groups by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Department of Defense.
Due to concerns over poor efficacy, the ACIP does not recommend live, attenuated influenza vaccine for use this season (2016-2017). Based on these recommendations, USA MEDDAC will provide injectable inactivated influenza vaccine.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year, because 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.
A flu vaccine is essential every year, because flu viruses are constantly changing. It's not unusual for new flu viruses to appear. The 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.
USA MEDDAC Fort Drum flu vaccination clinics and hours are as follows:
* Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Immunization Clinic -- Vaccinations will be given during scheduled appointments for all MEDDAC beneficiaries assigned to their respective Patient Centered Medical Home as soon as flu vaccination is available. Walk-in influenza vaccinations for eligible Family Members and retirees who are TRICARE beneficiaries will be given from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday starting Oct. 12.
* All eligible Department of Defense Civilian Employees can receive their flu vaccinations from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 6 at the Occupational Health Clinic, Bldg. 11050A.
* Active-duty Soldiers will receive flu vaccinations by unit appointment. Soldiers should contact their chain of command for details.
* Pregnant women are at high risk for illness caused by influenza. The OB/GYN Clinic in Watertown will provide flu vaccinations during scheduled patient appointments.
* MEDDAC will hold two Saturday Flu Fairs for all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 at the Soldier Readiness Clinic (Clark Hall).
* Contractors on Fort Drum are not eligible to receive the vaccine through MEDDAC, but they are encouraged to obtain it through their personal health care providers or local public health department.
Remember, getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.
For updates and additional information, call the Fort Drum MEDDAC Flu Hotline at (315) 772-5044.
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