Contracting a seasonal flu is uncomfortable; contracting H1N1 (Swine) flu can be much more problematic.

To be sure, the Department of Defense has labeled H1N1 as having minimal operational impact, and it is identified as being less severe than seasonal flu.

With the potential of a flu epidemic in mind, the staff at the Madigan Army Medical Center has implemented seasonal flu and H1N1 flu shot/nasal spray programs.

“There is plenty of vaccination; there is no shortage,” said Col. (Dr.) James Cook, chief, preventative medicine. 

He said there is plenty of vaccine to protect against seasonal flu.  As for the H1N1 vaccine, Cook stressed that it is coming in smaller allotments but that there will be enough to meet the need.

“The demand outstrips the supply right now, but it will even out,” said Cook.

In preparing for the double threat of seasonal and H1N1 flu, MAMC has initiated a three-part plan of action designed to work ahead of the expected flu season. Phase One includes vaccinating beneficiaries for the seasonal flu during scheduled appointments. Phase Two consists of mandatory vaccination of all active duty personnel assigned to MAMC and those civilian staff who provide direct patient care. Phase Three involves the vaccinating of assigned MAMC beneficiaries during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 7 to 10.
 
The vaccinations are administered either through an injection or a nasal mist.

“We are strongly encouraging everyone to get the vaccination early this year,” said Cook.

Certain individuals are vulnerable to complications from the seasonal flu.  The priority of vaccination is people 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

The H1N1 vaccine will arrive as soon as the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department makes it available.

For the H1N1 flu, the priority of vaccinations is pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, all people from six months to 24 years of age, persons aged 25 to 64 years who have health conditions, persons 25 to 64 years with no health risks, and persons 65 years and older.

Medical officials emphasize that the best treatment for the flu is prevention.

Cook outlined that washing one’s hands often, limiting contact with infected persons and objects (e.g. doorknobs) and using proper cough etiquette (coughing into one’s sleeve or using a tissue) are vital to combating the flu.

“Get ready for this, get informed and be prepared for the flu,” said Cook.

For more information about MAMC’s effort to meet the potential epidemic, visit www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/flu.htm or call the flu hotline at (253) 968-4744.