DVIDS
by Army Spc. Stephanie Homan
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Public Affairs Office
As the seasons change and temperatures drop in Iraq, the potential for illness increases. One of the most prevalent of these illnesses is influenza. Troops lined up in Al Faw Palace to receive their vaccination from the virus Wednesday and Friday.
Influenza is an airborne transmittable respiratory illness that has multiple symptoms similar to other respiratory illnesses. The symptoms include high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and nausea.
“The virus is most contagious in the first 24 to 72 hours, which is when your symptoms are not severe and you haven’t sought medical treatment yet,” said Army Maj. Tara Hall, chief of preventive medicine, surgeon’s office, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. “That is why it is so easy to transfer from one person to another.”
The threat is very high here because the Iraqi population does not have a mandatory vaccination program like the U.S. military, she said. This puts troops at a very high risk, but there are usually a very low number affected because of the vaccines.
This year the Army is pushing the flu mist, the nasal-spray flu vaccine, because it is said that it provides more protection than the flu shot, said Army Lt. Col. John Spain, pharmacy consultant, surgeon’s office, MNC-I.
“This year the Army has really increased the allocation for the mist,” he said. “In previous years it was available, but not to the extent it is this year. That is based on the understanding that it offers some additional protection.”
Hall and Spain said it can be difficult to get troops to get vaccinated. They want to dispel myths and concerns.
“There is always hesitancy by folks to get a vaccine, but it is very important for the benefit of others,” Spain said. “Troops have to look beyond themselves to the good of the larger group.”
Hall explained that the vaccine does not transmit influenza.
“The influenza vaccine does not cause people to get influenza,” Hall said. “It is not an active viral vaccine. (Troops) may have side effects of the vaccination, just like with any other vaccine, but they are not going to get the flu as a result of the vaccine.”
The vaccine is important for prevention of flu, but there are several more things troops can do to help prevent it spreading.
“Hand washing is the primary source of control and prevention for influenza,” Hall said. “Also, getting adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise will help. If you are ill, try not to be around large groups of people and cough into your sleeve instead of your hand.”
Hall said hand sanitizer is also helpful for troops to combat germs, but it should not be used as a substitute. Soldiers must still wash their hands with soap and water.
