Pandemic Influenza Watchboard offers DoD-related information on flu outbreak

  • Published
  • By Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Report
With just a few clicks of the mouse, servicemembers, civilians and families interested in learning more about the H1N1 Flu Outbreak, otherwise known as swine flu, can access a variety of resources on the web.

The Department of Defense created and still maintains a Pandemic Influenza Watchboard, available at www.dod.mil/pandemicflu.

Also used during the H5N1 Flu Outbreak (otherwise known as avian flu), the watchboard includes flu-related news articles, guidance from DoD leadership and links to information from other government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Symptoms of H1N1 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.

Air Force Materiel Command 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 H1N1 (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 www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

If you have any additional questions, concerns, or have traveled to an affected region, please call AEDC Public Health office at 454-3537.