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Laboratory results from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and electronic medical surveillance of medical records show that the American military community in Europe is not immune from getting the flu.
“While there are few cases at the moment, everyone should be aware that the flu season generally extends through March,” said Maj. Scott Newberg, Europe Regional Medical Command’s chief of policy and plans for the Force Health Protection office. “Now is a good time to head to your local health clinic and get immunized against the flu.”
Major Newberg said that the Army requirement that all Soldiers receive the flu vaccine was successful in Europe, with nearly all Soldiers being vaccinated by Jan. 1, but not all dependents and retirees took advantage of the free vaccine.
“The more family members and retirees who get the vaccine, the better our communities will be protected,” Major Newberg said. The flu virus isn’t easily transmitted within a community when the vaccine is protecting the majority of the population, he said.
“If you want protection, the vaccine is the easiest and least painful way,” Major Newberg said.
The Flu Mist, or nasal spray, is still available at military health clinics for those who want to protect themselves and their families.
Major Newberg said that it is a myth that the flu vaccine gives you the flu. What is true is that the vaccination will either prevent the flu or lessen its severity. Sometimes people avoid the flu vaccine because of a misunderstanding; perhaps they tried the vaccine once and later became sick.
“It takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies from the vaccine; the antibodies protect you from the flu virus,” Major Newberg said.
During that two-week period, individuals may be exposed to one of many viruses or bacteria that circulate in the wintertime. Other bacteria and viruses may cause some people to associate their illness with their recent vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccination for certain categories of people who are at a higher risk and would suffer serious consequences if they were to catch the flu virus.
“Children from ages 6 months up to age 5 and adults age 50 and older are at higher risk,” Major Newberg said. “And the CDC also recommends children age 8 and under, who have never been vaccinated, should have two doses four weeks apart. This will improve their antibody response and help them fight off the virus.”
This year, Army clinics offered the flu vaccine in a nasal spray in addition to the familiar shot in the arm vaccine. Both types of vaccines are available in most clinics.
Major Newberg advises that in addition to the flu vaccine, there are other ways to stay healthy.
“Stay healthy and protect yourself against flu and many other wintertime respiratory diseases by following simple precautions,” Major Newberg said.
•Wash your hands frequently.
•Do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
•Cover your coughs with your hand or use the crook of your arm.
•Eat healthy.
•Exercise daily.
•Most importantly, do not smoke.
Protect yourself and your community this year − visit your local health clinic to get the flu vaccine. (Courtesy of Europe Regional Medical Command Public Affairs)
