H1N1 in spotlight with flu season drawing near

Published Aug. 21, 2009
By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, there are 1,125 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 influenza in Alabama as of Aug. 12.

Montgomery County represents the highest number of confirmed cases in the state with 188 and Autauga County with 54 cases, the ADPH Website states.

Of the statewide 1,141 confirmed cases, children 18 years and younger represented 66 percent or 711 of the cases.

With influenza vaccines not available at the Maxwell clinic until mid-October, Airmen and their families are encourage to stay vigilant in practicing preventative measures and employing available resources for educational awareness.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, believe the novel H1N1 is transmitted through the cough or sneeze of infected individuals.

To protect against the spread of novel H1N1 influenza, officials at the Maxwell clinic suggest hand washing with soap and warm water frequently and using alcohol-based sanitizers (especially after coughing or sneezing), covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoiding contact with infectious individuals, cleaning surfaces with disinfectant, and avoiding contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Organizations at Maxwell should also assist in the efforts to combat the spread of the flu by allowing flexible sick leave options for personnel who are ill and by ensuring contingency plans are in place should the disease become rampant.

Those exhibiting influenza symptoms should remain at home for three to five days after the symptoms began or once they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medications.

The CDC is currently working on a novel H1N1 vaccine intended to be used in conjunction with the seasonal flu vaccine, according to the CDC H1N1 Web site. The specialized vaccine is expected to be completed in the fall.

Once the H1N1 vaccines are made available to healthcare providers, the precedence of distribution of the vaccine will likely be as follows: pregnant women, caregivers for children under 6 months of age, and healthcare workers and emergency services personnel.

In addition, the CDC highly recommends those ages 6 months to 24 years and adults ages 25 to 64 years old with existing medical conditions be among the first to receive the vaccination.

To schedule an organizational brief, call the Maxwell Public Health Clinic at 953-5606, or for more information, visit the ADPH Web site at www.adph.org/H1N1Flu/index.asp?id=3571 or the CDC's at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.