Learning the facts about H1N1 and taking protective measures Published June 18, 2009 By 15th Medical Group HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The H1N1 strain of influenza, sometimes referred to as "swine flu," is spread from person to person in much the same way as the common flu virus is spread. As of June 11 the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, the highest level. Over a span of two weeks there have been ongoing community-level outbreaks in multiple parts of the world. The alert level reflects the geographic spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus or the number of cases that may have been diagnosed in a particular area. Here are some good preventive measures for slowing down the spread of any virus: · Most important is hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaner is effective but should not take the place of washing hands with soap and water. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands (with soap and warm water) that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work--the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. · You can protect yourself and others by covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use tissue or some other type of barrier and dispose of it in the trash. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; that's how germs are spread with any virus. If you are having flu or flu-like symptoms, such as a fever (greater than 100.5 F), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, (some people may also experience diarrhea and vomiting), please contact your medical provider or report to the emergency room. If you do have these symptoms, limit contact with other people as much as possible. Stay home until you have been free of symptoms for 24 hours. The Hickam AFB community recently had three confirmed cases of H1N1. The individuals are all recovering quickly. Most individuals have had mild symptoms and have made a rapid and full recovery. We all need to continue prevention practices and good hygiene. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the H1N1 virus has the same properties as seasonal flu viruses. Studies on H1N1 show that the influenza virus can survive on surfaces and can infect a person for up to eight hours, so it's very important to continue to use good hand washing methods and/or alcohol-based hand cleaner. The community needs to remain vigilant and practice good hygiene and hand washing. For any questions, please call Public Health at 448-6146/6352. More information is also available at www.cdc.gov and www.hawaii.gov/health/.