H1N1 Not Over Yet!

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rusty Thomas
  • 341st Medical Operations Squadron Public Health
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  A few months ago it seemed that you couldn't open the paper or turn on the TV without hearing about H1N1. Although the media has found other things to report recently, H1N1 has not disappeared. It is still vital that we stay vigilant and continue practicing preventive measures.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its complications. Although there has been some misinformation regarding the H1N1 vaccine, the vaccine is as safe and effective as the regular seasonal flu vaccine. Additionally, the vaccine is readily available free of charge for all TRICARE beneficiaries at the Malmstrom AFB immunizations clinic (Monday-Friday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.) and Great Falls-Cascade County City-County Health Department (454-6950).

In addition to vaccination, the two most effective ways of preventing the spread of H1N1 is to use a tissue to cover your sneeze or cough and proper hand washing. Every time you sneeze or cough, use a fresh tissue and then throw it away after use. If a tissue is not available, then sneeze or cough into your shirt sleeve at your elbow -- do not sneeze or cough into your hand.

Hand washing is another preventive measure. There are a couple of key points that will make hand washing effective. The first key is to not re-contaminate your hands after washing. Do not touch anything in the bathroom with your bare hands after you wash them. Before turning on the water, make sure paper towels are available so you will not have to touch any handles or levers to get them. Use plenty of soap and hot water, and vigorously scrub your hands together for 15-20 seconds. While washing, be sure to wash your wrists, fingernails and in-between your fingers.
 
Once complete, rinse thoroughly. Don't turn off that water yet! Grab the paper towels that you previously placed at the ready and use one of them to turn the water off. Throw it away and use the remaining ones to dry your hands. As you are leaving the bathroom, use the paper towels to open the door and throw them away. If hand washing facilities are not available, you can substitute an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Vaccination, sneeze/cough etiquette, and proper hand washing will definitely increase the odds that you will not get sick this season. But if all else fails and you still become sick, be sure to follow all instructions given to you by your doctor. If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the aid of fever-reducing medication) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from spreading the flu.

For more information on H1N1 flu and all items discussed in this article, please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov , or contact the Malmstrom AFB Public Health office at 731-4405.