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A Barksdale Airman demonstrates good and bad hygiene practices. Good hygiene helps protect individuals against the flu. Use a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing and coughing. Always wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. While these practices are not going to completely eliminate the risk, it lowers the chances of catching the flu and spreading it to others. (U.S. Air Force graphic/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)
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2nd Medical Group vigilant in preventing flu
Posted 1/23/2013 Updated 1/23/2013
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by BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
1/23/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The flu season is here and the 2nd Medical Group is prepared to treat base personnel and their family members.
More than 9,000 Barksdale beneficiaries have received the flu mist or shot, and only 23 cases have been confirmed.
"Receiving the influenza vaccine is the best protection against the flu," said Tech. Sgt. Claudette Wilbert, 2nd Medical Operations Squadron immunizations clinic. "While the vaccine does not prevent the disease, studies have shown that getting the vaccine is effective in limiting the spreading of the flu and may minimize symptoms associated with it."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine is recommended for the elderly who have weak immune systems or certain medical conditions and young children.
Other than receiving the necessary immunizations, good hygiene is just as important when trying to prevent spreading the flu.
"To prevent the spread of the flu, it is highly recommended to avoid close contact with sick individuals," Wilbert said. "Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your own sleeve when coughing and sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and wash your hands. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub."
Flu symptoms can be any of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the CDC. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
"If you think you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after the symptoms go away," said Senior Airman Alexander Roberts, 2 MDOS immunizations clinic. "This minimizes exposing the virus to other people."
Any Team Barksdale members who think they might have any of these symptoms, call the medical clinic at 456-6555. |
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