H1N1 Flu preventive measures

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HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Facts about H1N1 Influenza for Hill AFB 

H1N1 Flu 

H1N1 flu has recently made international headlines. The 75th Medical Group is working along with local, state, and DoD partners to lessen the impact of the H1N1 Flu.

What is H1N1 Influenza? 

H1N1 Influenza virus regularly causes outbreaks of respiratory disease in pigs. The disease results in high levels of illness in pigs, but is rarely fatal. 

H1N1 Flu in Humans - FAQs: 

How widespread is this H1N1 flu outbreak? 

Although this strain of H1N1 flu virus has been isolated in several countries, so far there are only 40 confirmed cases in the United States. Of these cases, only one was hospitalized.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu in humans? 

When people catch H1N1 flu they may have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue just like the regular flu. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. As with seasonal flu, people with chronic medical conditions are at risk for more severe illness.

Can people catch H1N1 flu from eating pork? 

No. Eating properly handled and cooked pork is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 Flu virus.

How does H1N1 flu spread? 

It spreads in the same way as seasonal flu, mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of those infected with the virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu? 

The H1N1 Flu is not covered by the flu vaccine we used this year, but is susceptible to two readily available anti-viral medications. A vaccine can (and will) be developed, but will take at least three months.

What can I do to prevent this disease from spreading? 

· Avoid people with the flu. 

· Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 

· Wash your hands before eating or touching your face, after touching surfaces that someone might have coughed or sneezed on, after going out into the community, and after caring for someone who has the flu or touching something that someone who is sick may have touched. 

If you think you have H1N1 flu contact your health care provider. He or she will be able to determine if you need testing or treatment. To prevent spreading the virus: 

· If you are sick, stay home from work or school. 

· Limit your contact with others. 

· Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues. Throw these tissues away into a plastic bag. Limit your exposure to the dirty tissues. 

· Those with flu should use separate eating utensils that are washed in hot soapy water after each meal. 

· Don't share objects like remote controls or pens. 

· Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched like door knobs, remote controls, light switches and toilet handles. An effective disinfectant can be made using ¼ cup of household bleach and 1 gallon of cold water. 

For further information or questions regarding this outbreak, please contact the HAFB Public Health Office at DSN 777-1342/586-9582. 

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/