AFMC urges swine flu awareness and prevention

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

As of April 27, the World Health Organization reported 40 confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States. Government health officials have declared a public health emergency, which is a warning, for swine 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.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of the common flu - sore throat, fever and overall body aches, such as painful joints. Following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control, anyone who experiences such indicators should contact their health care provider. 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 swine flu 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 swine (and other strains of) flu. They include:

1. Hand-washing with soap and warm or hot water (cold water is not as effective for killing germs).
2. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash hands when soap and water are not available.
3. Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
4. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding close contact with healthy people if you are sick

For more information, the Air Force Surgeon General's office recommends using guidelines set by the CDC and civilian medical community to stay healthy. These guidelines mirror the same principles issued during the fall and winter flu seasons, and can be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/