The flu's impact on the military is moderate and seasonal. Flu season in the U.S. usually occurs during the winter months; however, cases can occur throughout the year. Flu vaccinations reduce the impact of the illness, but sickness can still result in lost duty time. All flu-related hospitalizations must be reported.
A contagious virus spread from human to human by tiny droplets (airborne) when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. People may become infected with the flu by touching objects contaminated with the flu virus and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Common symptoms, listed below, usually come on suddenly. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks.
Getting a flu vaccination each year is the best way to prevent infection, severe illness, and death from the flu. Flu vaccines help to reduce the military medical burden of flu illnesses, doctors' visits, hospitalizations, and deaths each year.
Flu is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. However, antibiotics may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu. Treatment for flu is usually focused on symptoms, but your doctor may prescribe an antiviral if the illness is caught early.
Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person-to-person and can lead to serious problems, hospitalization, and death in children and adults. Recent decline in worldwide measles vaccination rates have led to the increased risk of measles cases in the U.S.
Measles in military service members is rare because of vaccine requirements. However, there is a potential for outbreaks on ships and in other close-quartered environments. Family members may be at increased risk, especially those who are less-than-fully-vaccinated because of young age, medical conditions, or other reasons.
Cause and Exposure
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person by tiny droplets (airborne) when people with the measles cough, sneeze or talk. The virus can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace.
Symptoms
Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.
Measles Signs and Symptoms
7 to 14 days after measles infection: first symptoms
Measles typically begins with:
- High fever that may spike to more than 104°F
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
2 to 3 days after symptoms begin
Tiny white spots (called Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
3 to 5 days after symptoms begin
Measles rash usually begins 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
Complications can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and death.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination
The MMR and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccines provide the best protection against measles and measles-related complications. The vaccine and booster are typically given in childhood to provide lifetime immunity.
Treatment
Measles is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. However, antibiotics may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with measles.
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Publications of Military Interest
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover from RSV in 1 to 2 weeks. However, RSV can be especially dangerous for infants, young children and adults over 65, especially those with certain high-risk medical conditions such as chronic lung or heart conditions, weakened immune systems, or neuromuscular disorders.
Cause and Exposure
RSV can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with someone who has RSV, or by touching a contaminated surface. People are typically infected with RSV for the first time as an infant or toddler, and nearly all children are infected before their 2nd birthday. However, repeat infections may occur throughout life, and people of any age can be infected.
People infected with RSV are assumed contagious for 3 to 8 days, including 1 to 2 days before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems can still spread the virus up to 4 weeks after they stop showing symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include—
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected.
RSV Vaccinination
RSV vaccines are available for infants, pregnant women, adults over age 75, and adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. Talk with your provider about your RSV vaccination options.
Treatment
RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. However, antibiotics may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections.
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough, developing severe complications, and needing hospitalization. Military facilities can encourage vaccination with the Whooping Cough Poster.
Cause and Exposure
The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air when a person with whooping cough coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of whooping cough can look like a common cold. Early symptoms can appear 5 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms can include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Low-grade fever (less than 100.4℉)
- Mild, occasional cough
Many infants with whooping cough do not cough or may have short bursts of coughing. Others may experience apnea, which is a prolonged, life-threatening pause in breathing, and turn blue (cyanosis).
Later symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start. Rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits called paroxysms are the most notable symptom of whooping cough. Coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits can cause people to:
- Make a “whoop” sound as they inhale after a coughing fit
- Vomit during or after coughing fits
- Feel exhausted
Vaccination
The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines that include protection against whooping cough, DTaP and Tdap. Together, these vaccines provide protection against pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
Infants and children younger than 7 years old receive the DTaP vaccine, while older children and adults receive the Tdap vaccine. Vaccine protection for pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria fades over time, but adults can protect themselves and the children they are in close contact with by getting a booster vaccine.
Treatment
It is important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection and typically treated with antibiotics. Most symptoms can be managed at home but treatment in a hospital may be necessary if symptoms become serious. Early diagnosis and treatment of whooping cough may make the infection and symptoms less severe and help reduce the spread of whooping cough.
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