72nd MDG prepares to combat the flu Published Oct. 4, 2007 By 72nd Medical Group TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Flu season is fast approaching. Administration of the nasal-spray flu vaccine will be the primary prevention provided this flu season by the 72nd Medical Group for those that meet administration criteria. For those who do not meet medical criteria, a flu shot will still be available. Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that is caused by viruses. Flu viruses are spread through coughing and sneezing of persons already infected with the virus. Once infected with the virus it is possible to spread it to others one day before symptoms begin and up to five days after becoming sick. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. The nasal-spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu and is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. Side effects are few including possible runny rose, headache and fever in both children and adults, the CDC reports. Maj. Karyn Ayers, medical director of Immunizations Clinic, said the nasal-spray vaccine will not overwhelm a persons system, but instead trains the immune system to respond "like it has to fight" when exposed to the actual flu. The Immunizations clinic has already begun receiving initial shipments of the nasal-spray vaccine. The injectable vaccine is expected to follow shortly, but no exact date of shipment is available. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine that is approved for use in people 6 months of age or older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions. People that are not eligible to receive the nasal-spray vaccine will be given the flu-shot. Active duty members can get the nasal-spray vaccine at the 72d Immunizations Clinic anytime between 7:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays. No paperwork is needed. Immunizations staff will go out to units that have 200 or more personnel to vaccinate. TRICARE beneficiaries that are considered high medical risk will be vaccinated as soon as the injectable vaccine is received, followed by all other Tricare beneficiaries. High risk indications include children under two, those over 65 year's old, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma. While vaccination is the best defense against the flu, the runner-up is good hand washing combined with proper coughing/sneezing etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, use the sleeve of your shirt. Coughing and sneezing into your hands, unless you thoroughly wash hands afterwards, may increase the spread of germs. If you have any questions contact the Immunizations Clinic at 736-2225.