LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The school year is quickly approaching and with it comes the potential to begin seeing Influenza (Flu). Influenza is a contagious disease that can rapidly spread within populations. It can cause mild to severe illness, and occasionally death. Annually in the United States about 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu complications and 36,000 people die.
In the spring of 2009, a novel flu virus emerged called H1N1 (swine flu). The new H1N1 virus continues to cause illness, hospitalizations (6,506), and deaths (436) in the United States during the normally flu-free summer months. This creates serious uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get immunized each year. At this time, the 1st Medical Group has received FluMist nasal vaccine and will begin vaccinating eligible military Sept. 1. The injectable seasonal flu vaccine will follow shortly and possibly an H1N1-specific immunization in November. Flu vaccine is limited until the active-duty vaccinations are completed.
The secondary way to prevent the flu is through education, awareness, and proper hand hygiene. Until you and your family receive your immunization, please help to prevent a flu outbreak among our base population by being proactive in getting educated, maintaining flu situational awareness, and practicing hand hygiene several times a day.
Be the best Wingmen we can be to each other. Our goal is to prevent disease and disability among the Langley workforce and to combat this year's uncertain flu season
Please use the attached document prepared for you by the 1st MDG Public Health office to help stay healthy during flu season. Implementing immediate preventive measures will help alleviate the spread of any disease.
Editor's Note: All informational Web sites were obtained through the Center of Disease Control & Prevention.