Specifically, the H1N1 flu strain – commonly known as “Swine Flu” – is on the minds of many service members these days.
“H1N1 is more easily spread than seasonal flu,” said Capt. Michelle Gielski, a physician’s assistant with the 34th Infantry Division.
In the last few months, H1N1 has been moving across America and Europe, infecting millions.
The virus has shown particularly dangerous to children and the elderly due to its effect on the respiratory system, Gielski said. Service members forty years old and over are in greater need of the vaccination because of lowered respiratory capabilities.
“Swine flu is new and there is less documentation on it,” Gielski said.
While all strains vaccinated against are comparably dangerous, the lack of past experience with this new variety makes it more dangerous.
But the military is already prepared. All service members deployed to Iraq must be inoculated against H1N1.
The vaccination process is nothing unfamiliar to service members. Once a Soldier signs in, the medical staff fills out and looks over a health assessment questionnaire. Then, a quick shot and a bandage are all the service member needs to be ready to continue the mission.
The virus that is injected is the key to it all.
“We are using non-live viruses now,” Gielski said.
Typically, vaccinations are injections of live viruses which allow the body to develop immunity to a larger attack, but it has been found that a dead virus can produce the same effects. The benefits of a dead virus lie in the milder side effects after getting the shot.
If Soldiers are feeling under the weather, it is imperative that they get themselves checked out as soon as possible, Gielski said. Concerned Soldiers should seek medical attention at the Troop Medical Clinic without waiting for sick call.
Symptoms are much like the seasonal flu, and any Soldier experiencing fever, chills, aches and a sore throat should get checked out immediately.
So far, there have been only two confirmed cases of H1N1 on COB Basra, and both have been easily treated without having to resort to antiviral medications, Gielski said.
“Hydration and fever-control is the key,” she said.
Simple things like rest and fluids are usually the best medication for any kind of fever.
Some service members have expressed concern about the risks from the vaccination, but there is little to worry about.
“The benefits far outweigh the risks,” Gielski said. Any problems or neurological defects have shown to not be prominent in those who are vaccinated.
Sickness of any kind can put a service member out of commission for weeks and drastically effect the mission, but with a little preventative medicine, the US military can safely continue the fight.
