Barksdale to battle seasonal flu, H1N1 virus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale has taken an aggressive, proactive approach in confronting the seasonal flu and plans to take the same measures towards the H1N1 virus as soon as the vaccination arrives.
 
The vaccine is projected to be available at Barksdale this month. 

In the interim Barksdale has already received an ample amount of the seasonal flu mist; and has already begun vaccinating active duty members and high-risk military dependents. 

"There is a strategic national stockpile that is being used for distributing the new H1N1 vaccine as well as anti-viral medications," said Maj. James Stigers, Public Health officer flight commander. "We had to register as a vaccine point for this new vaccine and we will be getting it in our order of priority. Women's health clinic and pediatricians will be highest on that order and then we'll distribute based on needs."
"We will have an ample amount of supply of the H1N1 vaccine, but they have not given us an exact date when that will happen," he adds.
 
H1N1 has most of the same symptoms as the seasonal flu; however there are telltale signs between the two illnesses. 

"You can't really tell the difference between the two," says Capt. Jessica Knowles, Chief of Public Health Operations. "If you have mild upper respiratory symptoms, the cough, fever, or a sore throat - you should stay home from work or school and take necessary precautions. On the other hand you should see a doctor if - for adults if you have difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the torso, sudden dizziness or vomiting; for kids fast or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, fever with a rash, not drinking enough fluids and if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough." 

Although there have been cases of H1N1 here on Barksdale, less than two percent of the population have presented with the flu symptoms. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are some precautions members can take to help lower the risk of getting the virus. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (sneezing into your elbow/sleeve is most effective) and wash your hands often with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand cleaners. You should avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and stay home if you're sick. 

The Novel H1N1 influenza virus continues to be milder than the typical flu. Although also called "pandemic influenza," this term comes from its worldwide nature. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus to be a worldwide pandemic. Pandemic status is not necessarily related to the severity of the disease to an individual or a population. In the case of the current H1N1 situation, a pandemic means the disease that has become very widely spread and that many people worldwide have been diagnosed or become ill with H1N1. 

"The H1N1 is the new influenza virus which occurred April of this year," said Major Stigers. "It's a strain that has developed, but that is not new to the world. It's new as a pandemic and spread through countries across the world, but it's not a terribly severe virus." 

Those most at risk of contracting the virus include pregnant women, people between the ages of six months and 24 years and people over 25 who are "high risk" because of chronic health disorders, or have compromised immune systems. Some precautions are already in place including antiviral medications being used in those with more severe illnesses and people at an increased risk of influenza complications. 

For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov.