McConnell medics offer 'swine flu' prevention tips

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jill Roser
  • 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Novel H1N1, commonly known as "swine flu," is a new influenza virus causing illness in people across the globe. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials confirmed the virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, similarly to how regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Although the virus is widespread, most people who become ill with Novel H1N1 recover without needing medical treatment.  
  • Below are some tips from the CDC and McConnell medical officials to help people avoid catching flu viruses.
  • Avoid contact with ill people. Flu viruses spread from person-to-person when infected people cough or sneeze. 
  • Recognize the symptoms. Novel H1N1 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. 
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. People should also avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouths. 
  • People should stay home when sick and remember to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, or to cough and sneeze into a tissue, which should be put in a trash receptacle immediately.
  • Signs in children that signal urgent medical care is needed include: fast breathing or trouble breathing; bluish or gray skin color; not drinking enough fluids; severe or persistent vomiting; not waking up or interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough. 
  • Signs in adults that signal urgent medical care is needed, include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or a worse cough. 
  • Those seeking medical treatment at the 22nd Medical Group clinic for flu-like symptoms will be immediately provided with a mask. Remember to wear the mask and use hand sanitizer from one of the multiple dispensers found throughout the facility before being treated. 
  • People can also protect themselves and others by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate rest and exercise. 
For additional information, click here to visit the CDC's Web site or here to visit the Sedgwick County Health Department's site. 

Team McConnell members who have questions about the virus can also call the public health office at 759-5167.