What does the Flu shot have to do with Ebola?

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Julianna Olson
  • 934th ASTS
MINNEAPOLIS ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION --  
What does the Flu Shot have to do with Ebola?

It's flu season again and time for all Airmen to get their annual flu shots, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)...it can help significantly with the fight against Ebola.  While that statement may seem strange it's true. By vaccinating yourself against influenza there is a significantly lower risk of you showing up in the Emergency Room with a high fever, cough, difficulty breathing.... All the symptoms of influenza....and all the symptoms of early Ebola. 

In addition by remembering to wash your hands frequently, cover your nose & mouth with the 'crook of your arm' (inside of your arm by the elbow joint), avoiding others that are ill, and staying home when you are ill, you will not only lower your risk of catching influenza, you will decrease the risk of catching other viruses from the common cold to....well.....Ebola.

The mobile flu shots will happen during the November UTA. For those who miss the mobile team, flu vaccination is available at the ASTS on Saturday and Sunday of the UTA. If you receive a flu shot from a civilian provider you need to bring in proof of vaccination that includes the date, the vaccine, the health care provider, and the lot/expiration date of the vaccine.

All members can receive the flu vaccine even if you're pregnant or have a minor illness. If you are allergic to eggs you will need to receive the 'egg protein free' vaccine from your civilian provider. If you have a more serious illness with a temperature greater than 101, you will be asked to delay getting your vaccination until you are better.  It is important that you stay well hydrated with non alcohol, non caffeinated beverages on the day you receive your vaccine, since you can become dehydrated as the vaccine begins to go to work in your body. 

As with any injection, you want to help your body move the vaccine out of the muscle by exercising and moving you arm/ muscle you receive the injection. If you have any questions or concerns about the influenza vaccine you can ask your immunization technician or health care provider. We look forward to seeing all of you for your flu shot this year.