AFDW protects against H1N1

  • Published
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
Bolling AFB, D.C. --  Numerous human cases of H1N1 virus infection are being identified in the United States and other countries, and military health officials caution all individuals to be aware of personal preventive measures that every person can take to prevent the spread of infection.

In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, the colonel asks all patients to take these simple but important steps in an effort to protect against the spread of germs:

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

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

· Try to avoid close contact with those who have symptoms of flu.

· If a patient has recently traveled and is concern about a location, information is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

· If you or your child gets sick with influenza, the health department recommends that you or your child stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Col. (Dr.) Robert Miller, 779th Medical Group Commander, said confirmed cases have exhibited mild symptoms, including fever greater than 100 degrees with sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches and/or fatigue.

"AFDW's first priority is to preserve the ability of our Airmen to sustain current military operations and provide for national defense," said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice. "To protect the Airmen assigned to AFDW, the 79th Medical Wing is working in coordination with the Air Force Medical Service, Joint Task Force CapMed, the state of Maryland, and other regional partners to monitor the rapidly evolving situation."