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Preventing the spread of influenza

16 Sep 2009 | 2nd Lt. Victoria Brayton

During flu season, every member of the Hurlburt Field population can help prevent the spread of sickness by exercising a number of preventive measures.

Lt. Col. Terence Mitchell, 1st Special Operations Medical Group chief of medical staff, said it's important to recognize that some people will get sick, but the mission will continue.

"We must balance expected illness with mission execution," he said. "This starts with each and every Air Commando and our beneficiaries."

Proper and frequent hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is key to preventing illness. Covering your mouth and nose, staying home if you are sick and using a thermometer to track fever and timeframe to return to work can also help contain the effects of influenza.

"This is one instance where sharing is not caring," Colonel Mitchell said.

Seasonal flu shots are starting for high risk patients and deployers. High risk beneficiaries will be notified of their status by mail. A vaccine for H1N1 is currently being tested and should be available by October or November.

"The H1N1 vaccine is looking very promising," Colonel Mitchell said. "But prevention is always the best primary countermeasure."

Additional information about influenza can be found at www.cdc.gov and www.flu.gov.

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