Cooler weather ushers in cold and flu season

  • Published
  • By Shawn Jacobs
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Every year about this time, the number of patients seen at the Aerospace Testing Alliance/Comprehensive Occupational Resources (ATA/CORE) Dispensary at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) begins to increase. It's the unofficial beginning of cold and flu season.

The Dispensary provides medical care to the contractor employees at AEDC. The base's Medical Aid Station, located in the same building, treats the Arnold AFB military community and area veterans.

"So far this year, people are coming in with just the general upper respiratory symptoms," according to Jessica McNeese, nurse practitioner at the Dispensary. "In October, we started giving our flu shots. Ideally, patients receive the flu immunization by November, so the body can build an antibody response. That way whenever you are exposed to the flu during the peak flu season you have some protection."

The Dispensary has given about 400 flu shots, but they still have a few left and will continue to give them until they're gone. McNeese recommends that all AEDC employees get a flu shot.

"It's the best that there is to offer as far as flu protection goes," she said. "There are medications that treat the flu, but one may not be as effective or there may be a shortage. You just never know, but a flu shot is an important step in preventing the flu. Often we don't think about how we may spread it to a child or an elderly person by being a carrier because most of our population at AEDC is fairly healthy."

McNeese said this year's flu shot offers protection from the H1N1 virus.

"The H1N1 influenza pandemic was in 2009," she said. "The 2010 and 2011 vaccine both offer protection against H1N1, as well as a strain of flu A and B."

Fewer AEDC employees contracted the flu last year than in some past years, according to McNeese.

"It has varied per year," she said. "Last year wasn't as bad. More people got their immunization where the year that we had the flu shot shortage we did have more cases that were treated.

"We haven't seen any actual flu cases yet because it's still early. According to the latest CDC [Centers for Disease Control] report on flu cases, Tennessee is still reporting no activity."

As far as prevention goes, McNeese said following general good health practices can help protect from the flu, as well as the common cold viruses.

"Stay rested and stay hydrated," she said. "Wash your hands often and practice good infection control measures such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Dress appropriately for the weather. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Smoking predisposes your lungs to respiratory issues."

If you suspect you have the flu, McNeese advises seeing a health care professional.

"We always recommend that people with fevers, chills, body aches and upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough or [other] concerns be evaluated," she said. "We're here 7 to 3:30 or go see your primary care provider. Most people are able to overcome the flu on their own, but medications we give can shorten the course and get you back to work and your own lives."

McNeese advises staying home if you're sick to keep from spreading illness to other employees.

"Fever-free for 24 hours is what we like before you come back to work," she said. "There have been times where people have set out for work feeling bad and they get here and their fever's up. They stop in here to be evaluated and we have to send them back home."

In addition, ATA policy requires employees out sick for more than three days to process in through the Dispensary.