Published: October 13, 2011
Flu Prevention Measures At Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center
By Staff Sgt. Matt Scotten, Camp Atterbury Public Affairs
'Tis the season for runny noses
As fall comes into full swing and winter approaches, many Americans are getting into the season with apple cider, eggnog, hot cocoa, and live-virus influenza vaccinations. While a flu shot may not seem comforting in contrast to hot cocoa, one could certainly argue how much better it is than catching the flu.
Camp Atterbury is preparing for flu season, which typically lasts from late November until March, by providing influenza vaccinations to Soldiers across the post.
"Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to help keep from catching most strains of influenza," said Maj. Roger Barillas, a West Liberty, Iowa native and intermediate care manager at the Camp Atterbury Troop Medical Clinic. He recommends getting the vaccination as soon as possible before flu season hits in full swing.
"It typically takes up to two weeks for the vaccination to be effective," said Barillas. "And although some people report mild fevers and flu-like symptoms, studies show you cannot catch the flu from a flu shot."
Spc. Timothy Marks, a Santa Fe, N.M. native and medic at the Soldier Readiness Center at Camp Atterbury, holds up a dose of nasal mist used to vaccinate Soldiers for influenza. Currently, the SRC has both a nasal mist and a shot available for Soldiers needing their yearly flu vaccination.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Matt Scotten, Atterbury-Muscatatuck Public Affairs |
Barillas said many people mistake symptoms such as these for the flu, but cautions them to make no mistake. "The flu is devastating," he said.
Barillas' stance on flu vaccinations is backed up clearly by information available on www.flu.gov, where it is reported that an average of 23,600 deaths are attributed to the virus each year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications annually.
If a case of influenza is caught early enough (within the first 24 hours), then there are treatments available, but it is rare that people who catch the flu know it is actually the flu early on.
"Most people don't know they have the flu when it first hits," said Barillas. "Many think it's just a common cold in the beginning."
Sgt. Estella Brown, a Chicago native and licensed practical nurse in the immunizations section of the Soldier Readiness Center at Camp Atterbury, administer a nasal mist influenza vaccination to 1st Lt. Daniel Heiwig, an Indianapolis native and battle captain at the Camp Atterbury Joint Operations Center.
Photo: Staff Sgt. Matt Scotten, Atterbury-Muscatatuck Public Affairs |
According to Staff Sgt. Florentine Warren, a Chicago native and immunizations noncommissioned officer in charge at Camp Atterbury's Soldier Readiness Center, this is why vaccinations are recommended.
"We have two types of vaccinations available; a shot and a nasal mist. For most people, it is recommended to get the nasal mist, which is an actual live-virus injection derived from chicken protein. For people over the age of 50, and those allergic to chicken or eggs, the shot is a comparable alternative," she said.
Warren said that with all the people who come through Atterbury to train, Soldiers come into contact with all sorts of germs, just in daily activity, touching door handles, walking by people as they sneeze, or even just using telephones. According to Barillas, there are measures Soldiers can take to protect themselves, beyond just getting vaccinated.
"Washing your hands regularly is huge," said Barilla. "Also, it is important to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your mouth and nose whenever you sneeze or cough and immediately throw away the tissue."
There are many symptoms indicative of influenza. They include sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. According to Barillas, if a Soldier does catch the flu, it is extremely important to minimize the chance of it spreading.
"If you catch the flu, the very best thing you can do is stay home and avoid contact with other people, especially very young children and the elderly," said Barillas. "See your medical care provider and do everything you can to keep from infecting others."
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is recommended that if a person catches the flu to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the fever goes below 100 degrees Fahrenheit without the aid of fever-reducers such as acetaminophen.
No one really knows how bad the flu season will be this year. According to www.Flu.gov , "Flu seasons are unpredictable are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics happen every year, the timing severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors."
With proper vaccination and hygiene, everyone can do their part to make this year's flu season as mild as possible. For more information about influenza vaccinations and symptoms, go to www.Flu.gov or talk to your medical care provider.
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