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Best defense against H1N1 (Swine) Flu is prevention

  • Published
  • By 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
  • 375th Airlift Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Department of Defense continues to monitor the health of its servicemembers and is standing by should the Department of Health and Human Services request assistance in dealing with the recent outbreak of the H1N1 Influenza, or Swine Flu. 

Currently there is no impact to military operations or local cases reported of the H1N1 Flu virus. Because these viruses have the potential to spread quickly, Scott AFB medical officials are educating its personnel about how to protect themselves and where to go for information. 

First, people should go to the Center for Disease and Control and Prevention's Website, at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm, to receive credible information about the outbreak, prevention measures and the latest data. Wing computer experts caution people that several bogus sites have appeared online because people are searching information about the Swine Flu, and these bogus sites are set up to infect machines with their own version of electronic viruses and bugs. 

The second most important thing Scott's medical officials say that people should do is wash their hands frequently because the No. 1 way these types of viruses are spread is from touching a contaminated surface (such as shaking hands) and then touching their face. In common use areas such as printers, fax machines, or multi-user computer stations, or other locations where hand washing facilities are not readily available, people should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

They also advise that people who experience systems of Influenza, which is contagious from about 24 hours before the onset of symptoms and for about seven days thereafter, is to stay home from work, school or other public areas until recovered. Those symptoms can include coughing, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and can be effectively treated with over the counter medicines. However, people who develop difficulty breathing or who become severely ill should seek immediate medical attention. 

Of special note also are those who are pregnant or have underlying medical problems such as lung disease, diabetes, heart disease or other serious chronic illness, and they should consult their physician should they develop a flu-like illness. Additional information about caring for the sick can be found on the CDC's Website. 

Medical officials also remind people that although the current flu vaccine will not protect them against this H1N1 strain, it will reduce their chances of infection should two types of flu occur at the same time. 

Scott AFB has set up a hotline to answer any further questions about H1N1 at 256-WELL (9355), and hit option 1, and will provide updates on the Public Website, www.scott.af.mil.