MDG offers 6 tips for staying flu free this season Published Sept. 24, 2008 436th Medical Group DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- -- Flu season is on the way and 436th Medical Group officials have several suggestions to help Airmen and their families stay healthy this winter. The flu, a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, is different from the common cold in that people with colds rarely get fevers, headaches or experience extreme exhaustion, which are symptoms of the flu. People infected with the flu are contagious one day before their symptoms start and for up to seven days after symptoms appear. The virus is spread from person to person through the air and through contact. Influenza can be spread in several ways. The first is a cough or sneeze from an infected person. The second is touching surfaces like door knobs, stair railings and telephones, with virus-containing droplets and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes. 436th MDG officials recommend the following methods to keep your family safe this year: 1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based products to protect from germs. 2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and do not expose others if you are sick. 3. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread through touch. 4. Stay home from work. You may put others at risk and slow the recovery process. 5. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs. Throw away the tissues immediately after use. 6. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu. For information, visit the following Web-sites: www.cdc.gov/flu or www.flumist.com. (Editor's note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Air Force of this Web site or the information, products or services contained therein) INFO BOX 8 common symptoms that accompany the flu 1. Fever (usually high) 2. Headache 3. Extreme tiredness 4. Dry cough 5. Sore throat 6. Runny or stuffy nose 7. Body aches 8. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea); these are more common in children than in adults.