Swine-flu update

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The number of cases of H1N1 flu has continued to rise in the U.S and throughout the world. As of today, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported there have been 1,639 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu, in the U.S. involving 43 states and causing two deaths. There have been 2,500 world- wide cases  effecting 25 countries. There have been zero cases in Alaska, and appropriate Alaska state agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

When people catch H1N1 flu they may have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue just like the regular flu. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. Previously, this flu also caused severe illness and death. As with the regular flu, people with chronic medical conditions are at risk for more severe illness. Most people catch H1N1 flu the same way they catch the regular flu. You can catch H1N1 flu by coming in contact with droplets from infected people after they sneeze or cough. This can occur by being in the path of a sneeze or cough or touching something that has those droplets on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

There are a number of ways you and your family 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 cleaner.
· 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.

If someone in your household is sick, stay home until that person no longer feels ill.
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. He or she will be able to determine if you need testing or treatment. 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.

More information is available at http://www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov/ or www.cdc.gov/swineflu.