Follow simple steps to stop the spread of flu

  • Published
  • By AFDW Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  Although numerous human cases of H1N1 virus infection are being identified in the United States and other countries, to date no members of the Air Force District of Washington have been infected, according to Col. (Dr.) Robert Miller, 779th Medical Group Commander, Malcolm Grow Medical Center. "In the event that there is a confirmed case in this facility, we will follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to mitigate influenza transmission in the community," he said.

Colonel Miller said those 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.

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.

"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."