Fort Campbell MWR - CYS - Nurse's Corner Archive

2006 - Jab | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

2005 - Oct | Nov | Dec

Visit the Nurse's Corner

October Topics

What is the Flu (also called Influenza)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Notice I said “viruses” – this means you cannot treat the flu with antibiotics. The influenza viruses can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Fever, usually high
Headache
Extreme Tiredness
Dry Cough
Sore Throat
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Muscle Aches
In children you may also see Otitis Media (ear infection), Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

What are the Complications of the Flu?
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infections, ear infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions like Asthma, Reactive Airway Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, or Diabetes. 20% of children hospitalized with influenza can have febrile seizures.

How does the Flu Spread?
Influenza viruses are spread from person to person primarily through the coughing and sneezing of infected persons. Adults can be infectious from the day before symptoms begin through approximately 5 days after illness onset. Children can be infectious for more than 10 days, and young children can shed virus for several days before their illness onset.

Okay, I don’t want the Flu, so How do I Prevent the Flu?
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each fall – if the vaccine is available at your clinic try to get your flu shot before Oct 24th if you are in a High-Risk Group.

Who are the High-Risk Groups for Complications from the Flu?
• Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including Asthma
• Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital setting during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system
• All children 6 to 23 months of age
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and daycare center child care providers of children less than 6 months of age
• There are other high risk groups, but these are the high-risk groups of the population that either works in CYS or is a child or infant enrolled in one of our CYS programs. Check with the immunization clinic for other high risk groups.
Why are Household Contact and Daycare Center Child Care Providers of Children less than 6 months of age a High-Risk Group?
• Because infants less than 6 months old cannot get the flu vaccine or antiviral drugs but are at higher risk for serious flu complications, protecting them from flu is especially important!
What Else Can We do to Prevent the Spread of Influenza in Child Care Settings?
• Good Hand washing!! Ensure sink locations are stocked with soap, paper towels, or working hand dryers
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, toys, and commonly shared items at least daily (don’t forget the door knobs & door handles)
• Remind children and care providers to cover their noses and mouths with tissues when sneezing or coughing
• Make sure tissues are available in all child care rooms and common areas
• Observe closely, all infants and children for symptoms of respiratory illness. Notify the parent if child develops a fever and chills, cough, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches. Send medical referrals out with children with high fevers & other signs of respiratory illness
• Encourage sick care providers to stay home

Julie Hassler, RN, LNC, CMC
CYS Health Specialist

For more information on Flu Vaccine Availability and Immunization Clinic times call the BACH Immunization Clinic at 798-8881

Summer 2006

Spring 2006

Winter 2006

Fall 2005

October Topics