NSA Naples Prepares for Flu Season

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Regan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East. Det. Europe

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, medical staff is providing local military families and service members with many tips to stay healthy to prepare for the upcoming flu season, from October 2010 to May 2011.

The peak months of the flu season are from December 2010 to March 2011.

"Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year," said Lt. John Gardner, environmental health officer, Naval Hospital Naples.

Vaccinations play a very important role in staying healthy and preventing illness.

"Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to spread of infectious diseases. The health and well-being of the Navy's total force and our beneficiaries is one of our top priorities. The best way to help keep our personnel and their families healthy and ready is to ensure we are prepared to provide our total force with the seasonal flu immunization in a timely fashion as it is the primary method of reducing seasonal flu illness," said Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr., the surgeon general of the Navy.

The flu vaccine will be arriving to Naples within the next few months and will be given out in stages.

"Currently our first shipment of flu vaccine is scheduled to arrive in late September (2010). The vaccine will be distributed in the order directed by Navy policy - military and civilian personnel ordered to deploy in support of an operational requirement or assigned to a ship regardless of location or deployment status; medically high risk people and health care workers in direct patient care and Navy emergency essential civilian personnel; basic and advanced trainees, officer trainees, midshipmen and the training cadre of these personnel; all other military personnel; all other mission essential or mission critical DoD civilian and contract employees and all other beneficiaries," said Gardner.

There are other steps in addition to the vaccine that can be taken to prevent becoming ill. Stopping the spread of germs is a key factor in reducing the amount of illness in the area.

"Take preventative measures to stop the spread of germs, such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people," said Gardner.