Swine Flu Alert

  • Published
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert regarding swine flu. Swine flu is a type of influenza virus that originates from pigs and has been reported to spread from person-to-person. As of April 26, Mexico has reported over 1000 cases of suspected swine flu. The United States has 20 confirmed cases in five states, the majority of these cases have only mild flu-like symptoms.

Influenza is spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food; thus, you cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
The 377th Medical Group has stepped up surveillance for flu-like symptoms. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Like seasonal influenza, swine flu is contagious 1 to 7 days.

If you recently (within 2 weeks) returned from Mexico and have become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider. If you are sick, you avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include: Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

If you suspect you may have symptoms and are a Department of Defense beneficiary enrolled to the 377th Medical Group, you may call 846-3200 to speak to a nurse.

Veterans Affairs beneficiaries should call 265-1711 ext. 5495 and speak to the health care nurse.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health and avoid getting the flu:
· Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeves (not hands) or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you get sick with influenza, we recommend that you limit contact with others to keep from transmitting the infection.

Further updates will be made by Kirtland All e-mail and on the Kirtland AFB Web site.

Additional information is available at the following web sites:
Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov or www.pandemicflu.gov World Health Organization, www.who.int