Protecting yourself from H1N1

  • Published
  • By 2Lt Evette Edwards
  • 354th fighter wing public affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Alaska State Public Health Laboratory and Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Laboratory have confirmed one case of H1N1 influenza virus in the Eielson community. The patient did not require hospitalization and has made a full recovery. With more than 122 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the state of Alaska, it is expected that there will be cases in the military community. 

Novel H1N1, referred to as "swine flu" early on, is a new strain of the influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. 

"Recent cases of the H1N1 (Swine) flu in the Fairbanks area remind us that this disease is unlike strains of influenza that we have seen in the past," said Col. Howard Hayes, 354th Medical Group commander. "We all need to be proactive and limit its spread."

To limit the spread of H1N1, take the following actions: 

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. 

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 

- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. 

"It's important to remember that this is a variation of influenza, and it can be treated," said Lt. Col. Laurence Ulissey, 18th Aggressor squadron flight surgeon. "The reason that this particular strain, H1N1, is getting attention is primarily because no one has immunity to it. Until the U.S. government is able to produce a commercially available vaccine, people need to be aware of the virus and how to best keep it contained." 

Even with the best precautions, people will still find themselves susceptible to the H1N1 virus. If sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. 

This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. Staying at home means that unless seeking medical care, avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. Members who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. 

As with any illness, if you have severe symptoms or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. 

"Eielson AFB is well equipped to treat all of our medical beneficiaries, but you can help us out by practicing good basic hygiene," said Col. Hayes. "With your cooperation we can minimize the transmission of this disease to your family and friends."

More information is available at http://www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov/ and at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.