RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Airmen must be productive and remain fit to fight in all aspects of their lives. For that reason, all Airmen must receive an annual flu vaccine.
The 48th Medical Group makes this very easy for RAF Mildenhall Airmen. For groups of 100 or more, public health will come to out and administer flu vaccines here at the squadron or determined location.
Small units are encouraged to partner with other small units to reach the 100-person quota, said Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Savoy, 48th Medical Operations Squadron Immunization Clinic technician.
Units should get their Airmen vaccinated now, before the weather changes. Flu vaccines will be made available to family members and other eligible patients at the Immunization Clinic starting in October.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, it takes about two weeks after receiving a vaccine for a member's body to develop an immune response. That's why it's important to get vaccinated now, before flu season begins here in the U.K.
"Flu season is the time of the year when the flu virus is most common. Outbreaks of the flu occur in different seasonal patterns around the world," said Staff Sgt. Bryan Sternbach, 48th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Flu season usually begins when cold weather appears, beginning in the late fall and peaking in mid- to late-winter."
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. According to the CDC, it can cause mild to severe illness, and at times, can lead to death. People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following symptoms:
· Fever or feeling feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
Estimates of influenza related events include 95 million infections, 25 million physician visits, 200,000 hospitalizations, and on average, 36,000 deaths annually in the U.S., according to the CDC.
"Serious problems from influenza can happen at any age; however, people over the age 65 and those who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they become ill," said Sternbach.
The flu virus spreads through the air when a person who has the virus sneezes, coughs or speaks. The flu can also be passed through objects that someone with the virus has touched, sneezed or coughed on.
"The best way to reduce your risk of becoming ill is by receiving your annual flu vaccine," said Sternbach. "Additional preventive measures include covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often with soap and water."
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Lastly, try to avoid close contact with sick people.
For more information, call the Immunization Clinic at DSN 226-9397.
Immunization Clinic walk-in hours are:
Monday - 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Thursday - 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday - 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.