Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
                         November 16, 2001

Flu, anthrax share symptoms but have key differences

FORT MONROE, Va. (Army News Service) -- With the approach of flu season, an Army doctor said people who contract the virus might fear they are infected with anthrax.

"That’s because the symptoms of flu are similar to the symptoms of those reported in people infected by the terror weapon," said Col. Bernard DeKoning, command surgeon for the Training and Doctrine Command.

"So, not all symptoms of ‘the flu’ are caused by influenza or anthrax," he said. "A subtle, but perhaps helpful distinction is that anthrax normally doesn’t cause a runny nose or a ‘productive cough.’"

A productive cough brings up mucous or drainage.

"One must keep in mind that ‘the flu’ can be caused by any number of viruses," he said. "‘The flu’ comprises symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue and/or respiratory discomfort caused by any number of strains of influenza and other viruses."

Only the most common strains of flu have vaccines against them, DeKoning explained. Flu itself sometimes can be dangerous, especially among the elderly and people with certain medical conditions.

Sniffles and a productive cough are not 100 percent foolproof indication that a person has not been inflicted with anthrax, either, the doctor said.

DeKoning said that people who choose to see a doctor because they do not know whether they have anthrax or the flu should retrace their activities over the past week.

"Your doctor will find it very helpful if you can answer questions about your activities," DeKoning said. "Based on your answers, your doctor may want to consult other colleagues and perhaps perform some tests such as a nasal swab or a blood test."

In the Army, flu vaccinations will be carried out just as they are every year.

"This year, a slight delay in influenza vaccine delivery has been experienced," DeKoning said. "Upon receipt of the first shipment of vaccine at military installations, vaccination of mission critical personnel and high-risk medical individuals will begin.

DeKoning said anthrax vaccine is currently not available for civilian use. Besides, inoculation against anthrax consists of six shots over 18 months, plus a booster shot every year after that.

"We should all remember that the chance of any of us coming in contact with anthrax is extremely small," he said.

Editor’s note: Jim Caldwell is a writer for the TRADOC News Service.