AMDS prepares for upcoming flu season

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - Maj. Kim Kahler, 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron officer-in-charge of immunizations, administers a shot at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center August 2, 2014. The unit averages 100-150 shots per month. Immunizations is one of the many functions of the AMDS that helps Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing stay current with their medical requirements for the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Frank Oliver)

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AMDS prepares for upcoming flu season

Published Sept. 8, 2014
By 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron plans to begin administering the influenza vaccination to members of the 445th Airlift Wing during the October 2014 unit training assembly.

Vaccination against influenza is a mandatory medical requirement for Air Force members.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a flu shot is the best protection against flu and its complications. Influenza is a contagious disease that is present around the world, but spreads around the United States every winter. Peak seasons are between October and May.

Flu seasons are unpredictable and can impact Department of Defense missions and readiness. In the United States, influenza results in more than 25 million cases reported, with more than 150,000 people hospitalized with complications, and more than 30,000 deaths each year.

The flu shot that the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron administers is an inactivated vaccine (not a live virus). Each year's vaccine is made to protect against three to four viruses that are likely to cause disease that year. Flu shots cannot prevent all cases of flu, but it is the best defense against the disease. It takes about two weeks for the body to develop protection after the vaccination, and the protection lasts several months to one year.

Flu vaccination helps prevent spreading flu from person to person. Flu is caused by influenza viruses and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact. Hand washing and covering coughs/sneezes are very important measures that can also prevent its spread. Anyone can get the flu, but it makes some people much sicker than others. Flu vaccination is especially important for young children, people over 65, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions--such as heart, lung or kidney disease, nervous system disorders, or weakened immune system and people who may be in close contact with these people.