USS Wasp Fights Influenza Through Vaccination

USCENTCOM, AT SEA

10.16.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

CARIBBEAN SEA — Navy and Marine Corps personnel aboard amphibious assault ship USS Wasp prepare for the fight against influenza season by getting their annual "flu" shot or mist.

"[The flu shot] is required by Navy Medicine for any activity and ship's staff to receive annually," said Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Claycomb, Medical Department leading petty officer. "Anyone not able to receive the flu mist, because it's a live virus, can get the influenza shot."

According to the Navy Environmental Health Center, influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. The infection typically lasts about a week with symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of Americans get the flu each season. In the United States, the flu season is normally November through March. Since it takes one to two weeks for the vaccine to take affect, people are encouraged to get the vaccination in September or October.

Sailors and Marines are at particular risk as the infection is spread through the respiratory system and confined living and working conditions can accelerate the spread of the disease.

An extra precaution to take in addition to the flu shot is to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with your sleeve and not your hand. Practice good hygiene and wash and sanitize hands frequently. Finally, if feeling sick go to medical and get checked out.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Decker, the ship's bio-medical technician, also recommends eating oranges and fruit with vitamin C to help boost the immune system.

Wasp's Executive Officer, Capt. Brenda Holdener, has directed all ship personnel to wash their hands at every opportunity. During ship's clampdown, wipe down all rails, handles, doorknobs, quick acting handles, and dogs. According to Holdener it's up to the Wasp crew to take preventative measures immediately.

Wasp and the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force are working alongside Mayport-based Destroyer Squadron 40 during a three-month deployment to build and instill interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation naval forces through a variety of exercises as part of Southern Partnership Station.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2009
• Date Posted: 10.16.2009 14:09
• Story ID: 40239
• Location: USCENTCOM, AT SEA