71st Medical Group fights flu with information Published Feb. 13, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Alison Mullens 71st Medical Group VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Type A H3-Brisbane influenza virus is currently causing illness in many U.S. communities. The following information involves beneficial activities in combating this seasonal flu epidemic. People begin to show symptoms one to three days after they are infected with the flu virus. Symptoms usually begin abruptly with a fever of 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Often chills, severe headache and muscle aches also occur and some people may have a dry cough with severe chest pain. Usually, flu patients usually don't have runny noses or nasal congestion, which normally distinguishes the illness from the common cold or sinusitis. The flu virus is spread primarily by breathing airborne virus particles in infected droplets, usually from coughing or sneezing. This type of spread is predominant among crowded populations in enclosed spaces, such as school buses, and may also occur by direct contact with infected objects. The virus may survive for hours, particularly in the cold and areas of low humidity. Those infected can transmit illness to others only during the first three to five days from the onset of symptoms. Viral spreading ends once the member's temperature returns to normal without the use of fever-reducing drugs such as Tylenol or Motrin. They are usually no longer infective when they have sufficiently recovered from their symptoms and return to work. Most healthy adults will weather flu within a week with bed rest, fluids and medication. However, fatigue may last for three to four weeks after the acute symptoms are gone. Fevers usually resolve on the fifth day of illness. Fever that does not end by the fifth day or recurs may indicate a secondary bacterial infection and the patient should seek medical care. A few common community preventive measures include: Frequent hand washing, especially after contact with those who have respiratory illnesses Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a disposable tissue. Wash hands immediately after using them to cover a cough or sneeze. Paper masks, worn by those who are ill, can also help limit airborne spread of the virus. Paper masks do not prevent infection when worn by healthy persons. Isolate those ill with the flu, especially with fevers, preferably at home During an on-going flu outbreak in the community, units should aggressively keep those with fever at home and away from work areas. Avoid requirements for emergency room visits for formal quarters authorizations for those obviously ill with the flu. A buddy-care system is essential for those who otherwise would have no one to check on their health status Limit use of common-use items in the workplace to prevent the spread of the virus. These include copiers, fax machines and tools. If hand washing facilities aren't readily available, consider placing anti-viral handwipes or lotions near such equipment to be applied before and/or after use of the equipment. Stop smoking! Smoking is a risk factor for susceptibility to the flu and increases the severity of the illness. Also, a more dangerous secondary illness, pneumonia, is more common in smokers. Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including those 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children Increase community awareness of emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention In children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash In adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Remember frequent hand washing and covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing can reduce the spread of germs and virus. If you are interested in additional information, the Center for Disease Control's Web site is a good source of accurate information and can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or contact public health at 213-6444.