460th MDG Releases Seasonal Flu Vaccinations to Families Published Oct. 27, 2010 By Master Sgt. Joseph Siddall 460th Medical Operations Squadron BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Seasonal flu vaccinations are now available to family members enrolled to the Buckley Clinic. Flu vaccinations are highly recommended for all ages beginning at six months old. Vaccinations will be provided on a walk-in basis by the immunization clinic on weekdays from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. weekdays. Military personnel are encouraged to visit Bldg 600 on base from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. weekdays. Please contact the Buckley Immunization Clinic at 720-847-6553 if you have any questions or would like to confirm vaccine availability. Here are some common questions we receive from our community with our responses that will provide you with important facts to protect yourself, families, and friends from this year's flu: Why is it important to get a flu vaccination every year? · Flu viruses change every year, last year's vaccine may not protect against the new viruses this year · It is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu or spreading it to others · If you still get the flu, the antibodies you have from the vaccine allow you to recover quicker with much less severe symptoms What are the signs of symptoms of flu? · Fever is usually present · Body aches, headaches, chills, tiredness · Dry, unproductive cough · Chest discomfort with or without breathing difficulties · These symptoms can appear suddenly in 3 to 6 hours How do I know if I just have the common cold? · Cold symptoms appear more gradually over time · Fever, chills, headaches are less common with colds · Colds often produce a hacking, productive cough · Sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat are more common with colds · Colds generally do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia or hospitalizations What else can I do to protect myself against the flu? · Wash hands with soap and water often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer · Avoid close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing · Cough/sneeze into a tissue or inside your arm · Keep objects such as ID cards, pens, pencils, etc., away from your mouth · Avoid or wash hands after handling public items such as waiting room magazines or sign-in pens · Sanitize work place surfaces regularly: door handles, elevator buttons, phones, keyboards/mouse · Practice good health habits: get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and keep physically active *Further information on seasonal flu can be found at www.cdphe.state.co.us, www.cdc.gov, or the Colorado Help Line at 1-877-462-2911 (toll-free).