Flu season expected to peak soon

  • Published
  • By Deborah Marie Gibson
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  At Luke, the number of reported flu cases has been relatively low, but doctors' offces throughout the Valley are starting to see an increase of patients who are aflicted.

"The flu is progressing our way," said Maj.Laura Moore, 56th Medical Group allergist
and director of the immunizations clinic.

Arizona health professionals indicate the virus is expected to hit the state in less than two weeks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans. The flu is different from a cold. The virus usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can also occur but are more common in children than adults."

The CDC claims more than 200,000 people are hospitalized yearly due to flu complications, resulting in 36,000 deaths.

Elderly people, young children and those with certain health conditions, are at risk for developing serious flu complications such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and dehydration. Also, the virus could worsen chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

The CDC warns adults may be able to infect others the first day they are exposed
to the flu, which is even before symptoms have developed. The virus can also be
spread up to five days after becoming ill and can live on your hands for up to 30
minutes.

Luke members can do their part to prevent the virus from spreading by frequently washing hands, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

"So far, 95 percent of Luke's active duty personnel have been vaccinated," Major Moore said. "Military personnel, dependents and retirees who have not yet received a flu vaccine are encouraged to do so at the base immunization clinic."