Influenza season stretches from October through late March and can have a major impact on individuals and organizations.

Influenza or the flu is a viral infection that spreads through air droplets from infected persons to others. The flu can cause fever, sore throat, cough, headache, chills and muscle aches.

Even if it doesn't cause a serious illness, it can lead to absences at work and school. Anyone can get influenza, however; some people are more susceptible than others depending on their body's ability to fight off infections.

Every year in the U.S. 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu. Most fatalities are among the elderly and individuals with chronic medical problems.

Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza. Inactivated influenza vaccine is given as a shot and has been available for use within the United States for many years. Another flu vaccine available for use is FluMist® which is a weakened live virus taken as a nasal spray by, healthy people 5-49 years of age.

In addition to receiving the influenza vaccine you can protect yourself by the following actions:

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Maintain at least a 30 foot distance.

STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE

SICK

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

COVER YOUR MOUTH AND

NOSE

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

CLEAN YOUR HANDS

Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently throughout the day to help protect you from germs.

The proper method of sneezing or coughing is into your sleeve. This is done so that germs are trapped into the fabric of your clothing and die.

Mass post influenza vaccinations are scheduled for Oct. 22. Commanders and first sergeants must schedule their units by calling (706) 787- 3547. Screening forms can be obtained from Connelly Clinic on Oct. 14, and must be completed prior to scheduled time slots.

For additional information refer to www.cdc.gov/flu or contact DDEAMC, Preventive Medicine Careline at (706) 787-3547/5354.