First cases of H1N1 reported at Tinker, officials stress report isn’t cause for undue alarm Published June 19, 2009 By Ralph Monson 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker Public Health officials reported the first two confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the Tinker work force June 12. Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, said, "While this illustrates the fact that the virus remains a health concern for Tinker personnel and their families, it should not be cause for undue alarm." That message was echoed by Col. Craig Packard, Tinker Public Health emergency officer, who added, "Confirmation of the two cases was not unexpected, given the fact that the virus has been in circulation across the nation for the past two months." Colonel Jamerson stressed the need to be increasingly aware of the potential for exposure and quick to seek medical attention when warranted. Tinker's Public Health team also stressed the importance of people taking appropriate precautions by limiting the opportunities for exposure and using personal preventative techniques. However, they are not recommending medical evaluation or medication treatment for those who are not showing signs of illness. Nor is the routine use of masks being encouraged in the work centers. Some important personal preventative practices offered by the public health team are: · Frequent washing of hands with soap or alcohol based sanitizers. · Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Remember to not use your hands but rather use a handkerchief, tissue or your shirt sleeve to avoid contaminating your hands. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as these are entry points for the virus. · Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially those with flu-like symptoms. · Seek medical attention if you develop flu-like symptoms such as: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. · If sick, avoid contaminating others. Contact your immediate supervisor for guidance on sick or other types of leave. More tips on how people can help protect themselves from potential infections can be found on the Tinker public home page at www.tinker.af.mil and on the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm. Two additional sources of information: A Guide for Service Members and Families and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families, are also available on the Tinker public Web site. "It is extremely important that we recognize the risk for exposure, understand what symptoms should prompt us to seek medical attention and then, if diagnosed with H1N1, taking appropriate measures to limit the potential of infecting others," said Colonel Jamerson.