95th MDG preparing for H1N1 virus

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the H1N1 virus makes news across America, the 95th Medical Group is preparing to deal with the virus and combat potential outbreaks at Edwards. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 virus, often referred to as "swine flu," spreads from human to human. It has symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some instances, people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. 

Since the CDC implemented its emergency response, the 95th MDG clinic has been in constant communication with Edwards and Air Force Materiel Command leadership to ensure they are aware of the current status in preparation for potential changes. Preventive measures have been disseminated through different avenues of communication, including e-mails, computer pop-ups, newspaper articles and the Commander's Access Channel (Channel 6) to ensure all know about the H1N1 virus. 

"We have increased surveillance," said Col. (Dr.) Gale Skousen, 95th MDG deputy commander and Chief of Medical Staff. "It is a pro-active process to screen and ensure that, if anyone does get into our population with an H1N1 virus, we know about it early and we can begin additional countermeasures." 

Some of the countermeasures require increased stockpile levels of personal protective equipment and antiviral medications, both of which have been activated. 

"We are sampling people who we are suspicious for having the disease and sending these samples to the state laboratory for identification," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) James Elliott, chief of Aeromedical Services and Public Health Emergency Officer. "When people call for appointments, if they have respiratory symptoms, we are telling them to put on masks when they come into the facility. We have these masks at the clinic entry doors. We are also using dedicated rooms for flu patients so that we are not putting other patients with them." 

In cases of disease outbreaks, Edwards has a Disease Containment Plan in place that was exercised in March of this year. 

"The plan encompasses the total base response," Colonel Elliott said. "Should we have an outbreak, we have to deal with quarantining people, treating large numbers of people and handing out large amounts of medication. We are ready to execute the plan when needed." 

Cases relating to the H1N1 virus haven't been reported yet in the Antelope Valley or at Edwards. 

"However, we are keeping a close tab on it," Colonel Elliott said. "This virus is new to human beings so it is difficult to predict how it is going to behave. What we are seeing right now causes us to be concerned, but not alarmed. We don't see any undue cause for worry, but we want to be prepared." 

According to Colonel Skousen, the 95th MDG is preparing for any condition that may arise. 

"If people have flu-like symptoms, the first thing they should do is to notify their supervisor and stay home," he said. "For the following five to seven days they should minimize going into the public and avoid close contact with people. Hand washing is, as always, critical. For military members with significant symptoms, call the base clinic and we will coordinate to ensure appropriate screening and clinical management of their healthcare occurs. For civilians, we recommend they contact their healthcare provider for medical care and screening." 

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. According to CDC, the following are the steps to protect one's health: 

· Cover your nose and mouth with 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. 

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 

· If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. 

For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. To call for medical appointments, call 277-7118. For after-hours care, call the nurse line at 275-NURSE.