Photo By Maria Christina Yager | Munson Army Health Center Family Medicine Physician Dr. (Capt.) William Glazier cleans...... read more read more
FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas — While many people are winding down from summer and easing into pumpkin spice season, the health care team at Munson Army Health Center is already preparing the Fort Leavenworth community for cold and flu season.
Munson’s Public Health team will host an information table at the Fort Leavenworth Commissary from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to share practical steps and resources that can help community members protect their health, care for their families and remain ready for the months ahead.
For students attending the Command and General Staff College, an illness lasting several days can disrupt a demanding schedule of time-sensitive instruction. That impact can be felt whether the student becomes sick or must step away from class to care for an ill child or another family member.
“Cold and flu season can affect an entire household,” said Michelle Grant, Munson Public Health nurse. “Preparing before respiratory illnesses begin circulating more widely can help families protect their health, manage illness at home and reduce the risk of sickness disrupting important family, work and school commitments.”
Most people who contract influenza recover within a few days to less than two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, influenza can cause serious complications, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
The Munson team will focus on three practical ways community members can prepare: receive an annual influenza vaccination, stock appropriate supplies at home and practice healthy daily habits.
“The best time to prepare for an illness is before someone in your household becomes sick,” Grant said. “Getting vaccinated, keeping basic health supplies on hand and knowing how to access care can make an unexpected illness easier to manage.”
CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for people 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication. For most people, September or October is an ideal time to receive the vaccine. Munson has ordered seasonal influenza vaccines and plans to administer flu shots through a series of outreach events starting in October, pending availability. Visitors can stop by the information table to learn about seasonal influenza vaccination opportunities available on Fort Leavenworth.
The team will also share information about preparing a home medicine cabinet with items such as a working thermometer, tissues, hydration supplies and appropriate over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. Visitors can learn about Munson’s free over-the-counter medication program and speak with the team about using medications safely.
Additional topics will include proper handwashing, cough etiquette, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and staying home when sick. CDC recommends staying home and away from others while experiencing a respiratory illness and returning to normal activities after symptoms have improved overall and an individual has been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours.
Community members can learn how to contact the appointment line or the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line when they need guidance about an illness or injury and also learn how to activate prescriptions before arriving at the Munson pharmacy to help reduce wait times.
“We want community members to talk with us now, learn what resources are available and make a plan before illness occurs,” Grant said. “A little preparation can help protect your family and keep cold and flu season from sidetracking your schedule.”
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2026 16:47 |
| Story ID: | 574206 |
| Location: | FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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