Flu season fast approaching Published Oct. 1, 2014 By Capt. Christine Sargent-Trojan 60th Medical Operations Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population will come down with the flu this year. Of those, 200,000 people will have complications and require hospitalization. Those most vulnerable to the flu are the elderly, the very young, those with health conditions and pregnant women. As the chief infection preventionist at David Grant USAF Medical Center, I'm here to provide a few simple ways to reduce the risk of transmission during the upcoming influenza or flu season. Flu viruses travel in the air on microscopic droplets when a person sneezes, coughs or talks. When these droplets are inhaled into the mouth, nose or lungs, the virus gains entry into the body. The flu also can be transmitted on the hands of a sick person after they cough or sneeze into their hand, then touch an object such as a door handle. When another person touches the door handle then touches their own mouth or nose, they give the virus entry into their body. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of catching or transmitting influenza virus during this flu season: - Start by getting the current year's influenza vaccine, which can prevent the flu or reduce the symptoms. - Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Clean hands really do save lives and prevent the transmission of germs that cause diarrhea, respiratory illnesses and many other types of infections. - If you or your children do get sick this year, stay home to prevent the spread to others. - Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, then wash your hands immediately. - Coughing or sneezing into clothing at a bent elbow reduces the airborne droplets. - Throw tissues away immediately after using because they are a source of germs that can be transmitted to others. - Clean common, frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. Read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's label instructions for proper dilution and recommended duration of wet times. Good stewardship of antibiotics is paramount in combating infections. Many common illnesses are viral in nature and antibiotics are not effective against viruses. The flu is a virus and antibiotics are not an effective means to stop the symptoms. The more antibiotics are used inappropriately, the more chances the bacteria have to build a resistance. When your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take it exactly as it is prescribed until gone. Do not dump your medications into the garbage or flush them down the toilet. That is where germs are exposed to antimicrobial properties and can develop a resistance to them. Additionally, when other types of medications are thrown away or flushed into the sewer system, they can end up in the environment and eventually in ground water. For more information on flu prevention, talk to your DGMC healthcare provider or call your local MTF.