Achoo, it's flu season! Published Oct. 9, 2013 By Maj. Julianna Olson 934th ASTS nurse practitioner MINNEAPOLIS ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION -- Flu season is once again upon us and that means it's time to get your 'flu' shot. Influenza, or 'Flu' as it is often called for short, is a highly infectious viral illness that was recognized as early as the 15th century and has been known to cause pandemics resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. An average of 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations occur each year in the US due to influenza infections. Influenza can cause pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and even a swelling around the heart known as myocarditis. Those who have underlying illness or are pregnant are particularly susceptible to these more severe illnesses caused by influenza. Annual flu vaccinations are the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infections and its complications. Each year the DoD participates in a massive Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program. The DoD's goal is to vaccinate 100% of the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve components, with a required milestone of 90%, by December 16. During the October UTA, the 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron will be providing Mobile Flu Shots, coming to your squadrons to ensure you get the protection you need. If you receive your vaccine from another provider you will be required to bring proof of vaccination that includes the type and lot number of vaccine your received. You may ask why you need to get the 'flu' shot every year. Well, studies have shown that the antibody you get from the vaccine declines over the course of a year post vaccination. In addition the 'types' of flu virus change year over year. Thus annual vaccination is recommended for optimal protection against influenza. The viruses used in making flu vaccine are chosen each year based on information gathered by experts with the World Health Organization. This information is used to forecast which viruses are likely to circulate the following season, providing recommendations on the specific virus strains that can be used to make vaccines to protect against them. If you are infected by influenza, the severity of your illness depends on your prior exposure to the antigens circulating in the virus (i.e. if you've had your flu vaccine). By having some immunity to parts of the type of influenza virus you are exposed to, you will most likely have a milder case of influenza if you get sick at all. Since the 'Flu' virus is shed in the secretions, having someone cough or sneeze on your, or touching an object that is contaminated with the virus, like doorknobs, phones or desktops, and then touching eyes, nose or mouth can result in transmission of the virus. Besides getting your Flu Shot, the other ways to protect yourself is frequent hand washing and cleaning of common surfaces. The flu shot is safe and effective way to prevent severe illness and death from influenza, but if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or egg protein, or if you have a current, active neurologic disease or a history of Guillain-Barre' Syndrome , you will need to be evaluated by a health care provider before receiving the vaccine. Women that are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant should get the flu vaccine. Several studies pregnancy increases the risk of flu complications; however infants born to women diagnosed with flu during pregnancy do not have higher rates of low birth weight or abnormalities. If you have any questions or concerns about the flu shot be sure to ask your immunization technician. We will see you all in November and we're looking forward to a healthy and fun winter season.