CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The recent appearance of a previously unrecognized strain of influenza has caused great concern worldwide. Commonly known as H1N1 influenza, the viral illness has spread rapidly from its apparent origin in Mexico to other countries, including the U.S.
Fortunately, the symptoms of illness in U.S. patients have been mild, similar to the symptoms typically seen with seasonal influenza, and a few simple habits can help protect people from the virus and prevent spreading of the disease.
The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal influenza, the H1N1 flu tends to be more severe in the younger and older populations and may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
The virus is spread via droplets from sneezing and coughing and can survive on surfaces for several hours. Therefore, H1N1 flu can sometimes be spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose or mouth. Infected people may be able to spread the virus a day before any symptoms appear and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. The average incubation period, which is time it takes for symptoms to develop after exposure, is two to four days.
Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other countries are working in concert to gather more information about this virus. There is still much to learn about how it spreads, and there is no vaccine available right now to protect people from the H1N1 virus. However, there are everyday actions to help protect people and prevent the spread of this illness and other respiratory germs.
· Cover nose and mouth with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing to contain the germs. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of six feet from other people, especially those who might be sick.
· Avoid close contact with sick people whenever possible.
· After touching public use items, such as shopping carts and door handles, wash or sanitize hands.
· If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For more information, contact the 437th Medical Group Public Health Flight at 963-6695 or 6655. Additional information is also available through the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the South Carolina Department of Health's Web site at www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm.