MDG urges flu shots Published Oct. 2, 2009 By Howdy Stout Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 72nd Medical Group is urging all active duty personnel to obtain their seasonal flu vaccinations as soon as possible. Maj. Juan Ramirez, Public Health Flight commander, says it is important for all active duty personnel to receive their seasonal flu injections now before the H1N1 vaccines begin arriving later this month. The Air Force wants the H1N1 inoculations to be completed within 30 days of receiving the vaccines as they expect an early peak to this year's flu season. Oklahoma and 25 other states are already experiencing widespread flu outbreaks, highly unusual for this time of the year. Flu cases normally peak in January and February. National health officials are attributing the early flu season to strains of the H1N1 virus, a more virulent strain of influenza. The World Health Organization earlier this year declared the H1N1 outbreak a global pandemic. Since then, worldwide outbreaks of the virus have continued. All active-duty, guard and reserve personnel will be inoculated against H1N1 while mission-essential personnel can also be vaccinated if they choose. Information about where active-duty, dependents and retirees can receive their vaccinations will be released in the following weeks by the Medical Group. The combination of H1N1 and regular flu could cause significant illness, health officials warn, especially among the very young and the elderly. The Center for Disease Control says the H1N1 virus is spread much like ordinary flu viruses and is recommending the following to minimize exposure to the flu virus and to prevent its spread: ·Frequent hand washing with soap or alcohol sanitizers. ·Covering of nose and mouth with handkerchief, tissue or sleeve when sneezing. ·Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as they are entry points for the virus. ·Avoid close contact with those infected or exhibiting flu-like symptoms. ·Seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, coughing, stuffy nose, vomiting and diarrhea ·If sick, avoid contaminating others.