Flu shot shields servicemembers Published Oct. 23, 2003 By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- At this time of year, clinics and hospitals can be swamped with people "bitten" by a nasty bug known as the influenza virus.Getting the flu not only is an unpleasant experience, said Dr. David Tornberg, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs' clinical and program policy. It is also a potentially debilitating illness that can wreak havoc in large organizations like the U.S. military.“It's very important that all active-duty personnel be vaccinated in order to prevent the consequences of influenza, which can just devastate our military," Tornberg said.He said many servicemembers live in close-quarters environments such as barracks, which can help spread illnesses like the flu.People with flu may be ill for several days, Tornberg said. Symptoms can include a runny nose; a dry, sore throat; cough; and fever and chills.Rest and drinking plenty of fluids are two time-tested methods of treating the flu, he said. However, getting a yearly flu shot can prevent an occurrence of the illness or at least mitigate its effects.Prevalent flu strains vary from year to year, Tornberg said. Therefore, Department of Defense and civilian health-care agencies monitor worldwide health trends to develop predictive models in determining the components "of the next flu outbreak," he said.Anti-flu shot vaccines contain weakened flu viruses, Tornberg said. The administration of flu shots causes a person's body to develop antibodies programmed to combat any appearance of flu virus, thus providing a measure of immunization.And this year there is plenty of flu vaccine to go around, Tornberg said.Military family members should also get flu shots, including children 6 months or older, Tornberg said. Older people should also be immunized against the flu as they can be particularly susceptible to the virus.People who have weakened immune systems or who are allergic to eggs, from which flu shots are made, should not get flu shots, he said.DOD health officials do not offer nasally administered flu immunizations because as a live virus, the vaccine must be provided in several doses in the nasal version, Tornberg explained. The syringe-administered flu shot is better for the time-pressed military because one shot provides immunity, he said.People who are uncertain if they should get flu shots or nasal immunizations should consult with their physician, he said.Annual immunization against the flu is a worthwhile endeavor since the virus can be dangerous, and in severe cases can result in pneumonia and respiratory failure, Tornberg said.