51st MDG offers tips to help keep Osan flu free
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --
As the 2009 influenza season swiftly approaches, the 51st Medical Group answers questions and offers tips to help members of Team Osan remain healthy -- and ready to fight tonight.
What is the flu, and how does it differ from the common cold?
The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from the common cold in that people with colds rarely get fevers, headaches or experience extreme exhaustion, which are symptoms of the flu.
What is novel H1N1 flu?
Novel H1N1 flu is a new and very different influenza virus spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called "swine flu" at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. Influenza is unpredictable, but scientists believe the new H1N1 virus will cause illness, hospital stays and deaths around the world over the coming months. This flu season the new virus may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. It may also cause more hospital stays and deaths than seasonal flu.
How does the flu spread and how long are you contagious?
Both novel H1N1 and seasonal flu are spread through coughing, sneezing and even touching. You can get the flu from the cough or sneeze of someone who has it, or by touching a surface with virus-containing droplets that someone with the flu has touched (such as a door knob, stair railing or telephone) and then putting that finger or hand in contact with your nose, mouth or eyes. People with the flu are contagious one day before their symptoms start and for up to seven days after symptoms appear. This can be longer in some people, especially children, people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with novel H1N1 flu.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The flu starts suddenly and may include some of the following:
■ Fever (usually high)
■ Headache
■ Extreme fatigue
■ Dry cough ■ Sore throat
■ Runny or stuffy nose
■ Body aches
■ Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea); these are more common in children than in adults.
To help keep everyone healthy in 2009, the 51st MDG recommends the following steps:
PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION
■ Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based products to protect from germs. Turn on the water, rinse hands, pour soap into hands and lather for at least 20 seconds getting between fingers and under nails. Rinse hands again, use a paper towel to dry hands and to turn off water. Also use the paper towel to open the door.
■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and do not expose others to you or your family if sick.
■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
■ Stay home from work or school when you are sick as it puts others at risk, as well as yourself and slows your recovery.
■ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs and getting sick. Be sure to throw away the tissues immediately after use.
■ The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu. All personnel will receive a seasonal vaccination and also an H1N1 vaccination, which is a two shot series.
■ For more information visit the following Web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.flumist.com/ Stay tuned for additional information regarding the availablity of flu shots later this year.
What is the flu, and how does it differ from the common cold?
The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu is different from the common cold in that people with colds rarely get fevers, headaches or experience extreme exhaustion, which are symptoms of the flu.
What is novel H1N1 flu?
Novel H1N1 flu is a new and very different influenza virus spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called "swine flu" at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. Influenza is unpredictable, but scientists believe the new H1N1 virus will cause illness, hospital stays and deaths around the world over the coming months. This flu season the new virus may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. It may also cause more hospital stays and deaths than seasonal flu.
How does the flu spread and how long are you contagious?
Both novel H1N1 and seasonal flu are spread through coughing, sneezing and even touching. You can get the flu from the cough or sneeze of someone who has it, or by touching a surface with virus-containing droplets that someone with the flu has touched (such as a door knob, stair railing or telephone) and then putting that finger or hand in contact with your nose, mouth or eyes. People with the flu are contagious one day before their symptoms start and for up to seven days after symptoms appear. This can be longer in some people, especially children, people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with novel H1N1 flu.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The flu starts suddenly and may include some of the following:
■ Fever (usually high)
■ Headache
■ Extreme fatigue
■ Dry cough ■ Sore throat
■ Runny or stuffy nose
■ Body aches
■ Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea); these are more common in children than in adults.
To help keep everyone healthy in 2009, the 51st MDG recommends the following steps:
PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION
■ Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based products to protect from germs. Turn on the water, rinse hands, pour soap into hands and lather for at least 20 seconds getting between fingers and under nails. Rinse hands again, use a paper towel to dry hands and to turn off water. Also use the paper towel to open the door.
■ Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and do not expose others to you or your family if sick.
■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
■ Stay home from work or school when you are sick as it puts others at risk, as well as yourself and slows your recovery.
■ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs and getting sick. Be sure to throw away the tissues immediately after use.
■ The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu. All personnel will receive a seasonal vaccination and also an H1N1 vaccination, which is a two shot series.
■ For more information visit the following Web sites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.flumist.com/ Stay tuned for additional information regarding the availablity of flu shots later this year.
