Cases of H1N1 found at Elmendorf Published July 6, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The Alaska State Public Health Laboratory and Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Laboratory have confirmed three cases of H1N1 influenza virus in the Elmendorf community. The patients did not require hospitalization and have made full recoveries. With more 70 cases of H1N1 flu in the Anchorage area, it is expected that there will be cases in the military community. Symptoms of H1N1 flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue just like the regular flu. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. If you are sick there a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of passing H1N1 flu to others: · If you are sick stay home from work or school · Limit your contact with others · Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues · Throw these tissues away into a plastic bag · Limit your exposure to the dirty tissues · Those with flu should use separate eating utensils that are washed in hot soapy water after each meal · Don't share objects like remote controls or pens · Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched like door knobs, remote controls, light switches and toilet handles. An effective disinfectant can be made using ¼ cup of household bleach and one gallon of cold water. If you think you have H1N1 flu contact your health care provider. During normal duty hours, active-duty members should call the flight medicine clinic at 551-4006 and dependents should contact their primary care manager. After duty hours, please call the emergency room at 580-5555. When you come into the medical group, be sure you take one of the sneeze bags provided at the entrances and use the mask to cover your face. There are a number of ways Arctic Warriors can reduce the risk of catching H1N1 flu: · Avoid people with the flu · Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer · Wash your hands before eating or touching your face, after touching surfaces that someone might have coughed or sneezed on, after going out into the community, and after caring for someone who has the flu or touching something that someone who is sick may have touched. For more information, visit www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov/ or www.cdc.gov/swineflu.