Base medical officials provide flu update

  • Published
  • 3rd Medical Group
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  This flu season may be more severe than usual because of the H1N1 virus in addition to seasonal flu viruses that typically occur.
The 3rd Medical Group is working closely with federal, state, and local agencies to best prepare and protect its beneficiaries.

Vaccine update: The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available within the next few weeks. The seasonal influenza vaccine is available now.
The state officials will provide H1N1 vaccines for all military dependents and retirees. Active-duty members will receive vaccines from the Department of Defense. Since the vaccines are coming in different shipments, the availability will vary.

People at higher risk of getting severely ill from H1N1 influenza will be the first priority to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Those individuals include:

· Pregnant women

· People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old

· Health care and emergency medical services workers

· People 6 months to 24 years old

· People 25 to 64 years old who have certain health conditions such as HIV, diabetes, or heart or lung disease

What to do if you are sick: The majority of people who get H1N1 recover within three to seven days without significant medical intervention. Therefore, the medical officials recommend that people with flu-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) should stay home to minimize the spread of this infection to others. In cases where symptoms become severe and uncontrolled, people should seek medical care. People should stay at home for 24 hours after a fever goes away (without using a fever-reducing medication).

Children, young adults, and people with certain health conditions can develop more severe complications from both H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. These health conditions include: pregnancy, cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, or any other disorder that weakens the immune
system. People who have one of these health conditions and develop flu-like symptoms, should contact their health care provider or seek medical care. The health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

People with flu-like illness should wear a mask before entering the base hospital. "Sneeze bags" with masks, hand cleaner and tissues are available at every hospital entrance.

The recommendations for contacting the 3rd Medical Group are:

1) For all active-duty service members: Call your supervisor to say that you have flu-like symptoms. Supervisors are encouraged to let their Airman stay at home without requiring a visit to the hospital. If instructed to seek medical attention during duty hours, call the 3rd Medical Group Flight Medicine Clinic at 551-4006. Inform the technician of the flu-like illness symptoms. If needed, an appointment will be made in flight medicine. Upon entry to the clinic pick up a "sneeze bag" in the entry way, and place the surgical mask on your face. The medical staff will escort the patient to an examination room and provide appropriate care.

2) For all other 3rd Medical Group beneficiaries: Call the primary care manager via central appointments between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and inform them that you have flu-like illness. If needed, the provider will make an appointment. If the patients is scheduled for an appointment, pick-up a "sneeze bag" in the entry way and put the surgical mask on before proceeding farther into the building.

3). After-duty hours for all beneficiaries: Call the emergency room at 580-5555. Inform the staff of the flu-like illness and coordinate an arrival time at the ER. Upon arrival pick up a "sneeze bag" at the entry and use the surgical mask. The ER staff will meet the patient at the entrance and provide care appropriately.

For more information, call Public Health at 551-4000 or visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu, State of Alaska at www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov, or Department of Defense Pandemic Influenza Watchboard at http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard. 

(Information courtesy of 3rd MDG)