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AFDW monitors H1N1 flu outbreaks

  • Published
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  Air Force District of Washington Airmen are asked to monitor the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak through the media and from their command chain. Individual Airmen need to protect themselves and their families, report any flu-like symptoms to their chain of command and be prepared to respond as directed by their command chain as part of a larger joint effort.

The Department of Health and Human Services leads the U.S. effort. AFDW wings and installations have plans in place to respond and operate in a hazardous environment. AFDW senior leaders are reviewing the plans and have scheduled an exercise to discuss pre-existing plans, decisions, preparation and means to continue operations, missions and tasks should isolated cases become a wide-spread pandemic within the NCR.

The HHS has declared a public health emergency only as a precautionary tool to ensure the resources are in place and at the agency's disposal to respond quickly and effectively. HHS, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security will provide the American people regular updates about steps being taken and precautions that may be required.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management distributed CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of the flu to the federal work force. Federal agencies have been asked to ensure federal supervisors distribute this information to protect their work forces and the public and to ensure continuity of operations in the event that they must institute their already-prepared pandemic influenza preparedness plans.

CDC recommends the following actions people can take to stay healthy:

-- 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 also are effective.

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

CDC also recommends avoiding close contact with sick people, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you're sick to avoid infecting others.