2008 seasonal influenza information Published Feb. 26, 2008 By Master Sgt. Philip Davis 43rd Medical Group POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Influenza cases are on the rise in North Carolina and across the nation. Between Jan. 20 and Feb. 9 the percentage of individuals seeking care for influenza-like illness has doubled from the three previous years. The following information is provided as a reminder and may be beneficial in combating this seasonal influenza epidemic. People begin to show symptoms one to three days after they are infected with the influenza virus. Symptoms usually begin abruptly with fever of 102-104 degrees. Often chills, severe headache and muscle aches also occur. Victims often have a dry cough with severe chest pain. Influenza patients usually don't have runny noses or nasal congestion, which may distinguish the disease from the common cold or sinusitis. Most healthy adults will weather influenza within a week with bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication for fever and muscle aches. However, fatigue may last for three to four weeks after the acute symptoms are gone. The fever usually resolves on the fifth day of illness. If the fever recurs or does not resolve by the fifth day it may indicate a secondary bacterial infection and patients should seek medical care. Influenza virus is spread primarily by breathing airborne virus particles, usually from others coughing or sneezing. This type of spread increases among crowded populations in enclosed spaces, such as school buses and office environments. Transmission may also occur by direct contact with infected objects, such as telephones, keyboards, and door handles. The influenza virus may persist for hours, particularly when it is cold and humidity is low. Those infected are able to infect others only during the first three to five days from the onset of symptoms. They are usually no longer infectious once they have recovered from their symptoms and are able to return to work. Viral spreading ends once the individual's temperature returns to normal without the use of over-the-counter cold remedies. · Community preventive measures: o Get vaccinated. Contact the immunization clinic at 394-4358 to find out eligibility o Sick slips and formal quarters authorizations are not required for non-rated personnel if obviously ill with influenza. Per AFI 41-210, 3.6.4, "Unit commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant up to 24 hours sick status at their discretion. If the illness/ injury persists beyond 24 hours, then the commander or supervisor must refer the member to the 43rd Medical Group for treatment and subsequent quarters." o Encourage frequent hand washing, especially after contact with those who have respiratory illnesses o Cover coughs and sneezes, preferably with a disposable tissue. Wash hands immediately after using them to cover a cough or sneeze o 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 o Isolate those ill with influenza, especially with fevers, preferably at home o During an on-going influenza outbreak in the community, units should aggressively keep those with fever at home and away from work areas o A buddy-care system is essential for those who otherwise would have no one to check on their health status o Limit use of common-use items in the workplace to prevent spreading the virus. These include copiers, fax machines, tools, etc. 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 o Stop smoking! Smoking is a risk factor for susceptibility to influenza and increases the severity of the disease. Also, a more dangerous secondary illness, pneumonia, is more common in smokers o Serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children o Increase community awareness of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention o 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 o In adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting More information found on the Centers for Disease Control's influenza website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/. (NOTE: Information obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.)