It's becoming a lot like the flu season Published Oct. 15, 2013 By Col. Bruce Woodford 27th Special Operations Medical Group CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The common cold and the flu are contagious respiratory infections that affect millions annually. Adults tend to get sick with a cold 2-3 times a year. Children, especially preschoolers, may catch a cold up to 10 times annually. Colds are most common between September and April. Flu season usually begins in October and activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks to months, tending to peak in late winter to early spring. People get the flu much less often than colds. Most flu sufferers get better within a week or two, but complications from the flu can lead to serious health problems, including death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are common complications from the flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks, and people with chronic congestive heart failure or diabetes may have worsening of their condition. Help prevent spreading germs by doing the following: Avoid close contact with others Use tissues or the inside of your elbow to cover your coughs and sneezes Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing Most colds and the flu can be treated at home and don't require a visit to the doctor. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, increase amount of rest, stay warm and use a humidifier, soothe a sore throat by gargling with warm salt water or drinking warm water with lemon and honey, use saline drops or nasal spray, avoid tobacco and alcohol, use over-the-counter medication carefully and follow label directions. Never give aspirin to children or teens. Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and it's available now in the Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., immunization clinic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older has an annual flu vaccine. A nasal-spray vaccine is an option for healthy children ages 2 and up, as well as for healthy, non-pregnant adults through age 49. Talk with your primary care manager or the immunizations clinic to determine which is right for you. If you have questions about the best way is to use your MiCare for secure messaging or call the central appointment line at 575-784-2778 and the registered nurse will call you back. Unit commanders and supervisors have the authority to grant 24-hour sick status in accordance with AFI 41-210 4.14.6 (6 June 2012), and no appointment is needed. Consider completing the computer based training on cold and flu located in the atrium across from the family health clinic or in the pharmacy waiting area. Print the certificate and you can get certain over the counter cold and flu medications without seeing your provider.