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Stay on guard, stay healthy

  • Published
  • By Kathleen A.K. Lopez
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  With the recent outbreak of the H1N1 flu, Air Force Materiel Command officials are urging individuals to educate themselves about symptoms, and to take precautionary measures that can prevent its spread.

"The society we live in today, there are a lot of people moving around and there is a greater potential for disease to spread," said Lt. Col. Elmo Robison, 72nd Medical Support Squadron commander at Tinker. "When things like this happen, it's really good to remember the basic steps we should take every day to keep from getting sick."

Government health officials have declared a public health emergency, which is a warning, for the H1N1 flu. There is not an actual imminent emergency at this time but the declaration will help the Department of Health and Human Services prepare for one.

This particular strain of influenza has symptoms similar to those of the common flu -- sore throat, fever and overall body aches, such as painful joints.

"If you're having these symptoms, don't panic. Go see your health care provider right away, whether that's here on base, or off," Colonel Robison said.

To prevent infecting other people, individuals with these symptoms should stay home from work or school, as well as other public arenas.

AFMC medical treatment facility commanders and public health personnel have been directed to increase surveillance for flu-like symptoms, and immediately report suspected cases of H1N1 through their established service reporting systems, said command officials.

The CDC recommends individuals incorporate simple -- but most effective -- practices into their daily hygiene to prevent the spread of this and other strains of influenza. They include:
· Hand-washing with soap and warm or hot water (cold water is not as effective for killing germs). Especially after you use public facilities, restrooms, ATM, etc.
· Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash hands when soap and water are not available.
· Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
· Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
· Avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding close contact with healthy people if you are sick

"I really want to underline hand-washing. It is the most important thing you can do on a regular basis to prevent disease. And by regular, I don't mean once a day," Colonel Robison said. For more information, the Air Force Surgeon General's office recommends using guidelines set by the CDC and civilian medical community to stay healthy.

Tips on how you can help protect yourself from potential infections can be found on the Tinker web page at www.tinker.af.mil and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/ swine/investigation.htm.

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 Tinker's Web site. (Tinker Public Affairs contributed to this story)