Active duty Airmen need flu vaccine Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Senior Airman Cassandra Locke Editor POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 43rd Medical Group is currently providing the influenza nasal spray vaccination, called FluMist. Since the influenza virus typically erupts around the late fall and winter timeframe, all active duty Airmen need to ensure they are vaccinated. When getting vaccinated, be sure to tell the medical specialist if: - You have certain lung conditions, including asthma, or heart conditions - You have metabolic disorders such as diabetes or kidney dysfunction - You have an immunodeficiency disease or are on immunosuppressive treatment - You have had Guillain-Barré syndrome - You are pregnant - You have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, to any of the parts of FluMist or to eggs Medical officials strongly recommend washing your hands frequently because the flu is transmittable simply by touching a surface like a telephone or door knob that has been contaminated by a touch from someone who has the flu. The viruses can pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. If you've touched a contaminated surface, they can pass from your hand to your nose or mouth. If you get infected by the flu virus, you will usually feel symptoms one to four days later. You can spread the flu to others before your symptoms start and for another three to four days after symptoms appear. The symptoms start very quickly and may include - Body aches - Chills - Dry cough - Fever - Headache - Sore throat - Stuffy nose For more information about the vaccination, call the 43rd MDG at 394-4258.