H1N1 Situation Update Published Oct. 22, 2009 By Capt. Mark Olson 95th Aerospace Medicine Squadron EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control, influenza like illness activity continues to increase in the United States. Hospitalized influenza cases are higher than usually expected for this time of year and influenza activity is being reported as widespread in 41 states. How does H1N1 compare to Seasonal Influenza? Although you may have heard that H1N1 has a higher mortality rate, this information is misleading. At this time, most mild cases are not being tested and reporting is only required for severe cases, hospitalized cases, or cases leading to death. When the number of deaths is compared to the reported cases, it fails to include the hundreds of thousands of mild cases that go untested, thus causing the mortality rate to seem unusually high. Dr. Marc Lipsitch, a scientist at Harvard University, reported to MSNBC last month that "New estimates suggest that the death rate compares to a moderate year of seasonal influenza." What can I do to prevent the spread of the flu virus? The truth is, influenza activity is high and we should all do what we can to prevent it. Now is the time to consistently follow the simple measures that can prevent transmission of an infectious disease. 1. Avoid close face to face contact with persons who have respiratory illnesses 2. Stay home when you are sick 3. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze 4. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth Furthermore, getting both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine when it is available will help to protect you from getting the flu. This is especially important for those individuals who are at higher risk of getting sick or having serious flu complications, those who are likely to come in contact with 2009 H1N1, and those who could infect young infants who cannot be vaccinated themselves. This includes: Pregnant women, people who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical service personnel People 6 months to 24 years of age, people 25 to 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications because of an underlying health condition or compromised immune systems. How serious is it? Like seasonal flu, it can be mild to severe. Serious symptoms in children that need urgent medical attention include: · Fast breathing and/or difficulty breathing · Fever that is not reduced with "over the counter" medications · Inability to drink adequate fluids Serious symptoms in adults needing urgent medical attention include: · Confusion and dizziness · Vomiting leading to dehydration · Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath How is the 95th Medical Group responding? The 95th Medical Group at Edwards AFB continues to monitor influenza like activity and coordinate with Air Force, local, county and government public health officials. Public Health recommends that units provide hand sanitizer and other personal preventive items such as tissues and disinfectant in common work areas such as entryways, lobbies, and break rooms. We have registered for H1N1 vaccine for both our military and civilian populations, but quantities and date of delivery is not guaranteed or confirmed. As vaccine becomes available, we will begin vaccinating the high risk and high priority populations who are empanelled at Edwards Military Treatment Facility. Many off-base medical providers, including pharmacies, will also have H1N1 vaccine available. Civilians and contractors who normally receive their care off base should request the vaccine directly from their provider. In particular, if you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about getting the H1N1 vaccine. Illness from influenza is on the rise and we all need to remain vigilant to prevent the spread of infection. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or call Public Health at (661)277-2244.