Tinker responds to flu advisories Published April 30, 2009 By Col. Allen J. Jamerson 72nd Air Base Wing and Installation commander TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The recent declaration of a Public Health Emergency by the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Northern Command concerning an outbreak of H1N1 Influenza in Mexico and parts of the Southwest should be viewed as a cause for concern but not alarm for Tinker Air Force Base people and their families. In releasing the advisory, NORTHCOM reaffirmed that the outbreak is not a pandemic at this time. However, public health officials at all levels are urging people to take appropriate precautions by limiting the opportunities for exposure and using personal preventative techniques such as washing hands frequently with soap or alcohol-based sanitizers. Some other common sense practices are: · Cover 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 you can help protect yourself from potential infections can be found on the Tinker public home page at www.tinker.af.mil and on the Center for Disease Control Web site 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. At Tinker, our medical professionals are working with community health care providers to increase surveillance for flu-like symptoms and we are actively reviewing our local pandemic influenza response plans and infection control practices, should the situation worsen. If warranted, special work force instructions will be provided through your unit chains of command, the Tinker public Web site and on the Straight Talk line at 734-1900. Most importantly, we need to be vigilant in our own health and our co-workers. Be alert for flu-like symptoms and, if present, seek medical attention right away.