Air Force Reserve seeks to minimize H1N1 effects

Published Oct. 1, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Joe Simms
Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command is taking a more active role this year in preventing influenza-like illnesses, including the new H1N1 strain.

"The first line of defense is understanding how the disease is transmitted," said Lt. Col. Tim Bennett, AFRC public health officer.

The flu and the H1N1 strain spread from person to person by small droplets formed from a sneeze or cough. These droplets pass to uninfected people when they shake hands, kiss or touch something recently touched by an infected person and then touch their face.

People can reduce their risks by frequently washing their hands and covering their faces or turning their heads when coughing or sneezing.

"A second defensive weapon in our armament is a new FDA-approved vaccine that is specific to the H1N1 strain," said Colonel Bennett.

Public health officials say this new vaccine should available in late October. If offered, the new vaccine can be given at the same time as the traditional seasonal vaccine.

In the near future, Air Force Reserve Command will ask supervisors to track workplace absenteeism due to confirmed H1N1 and influenza-like illness, said Colonel Bennett. Tracking the rate of absenteeism will help determine if more preventative measures are necessary.

A third defense is the practice of social distancing to reduce the spread of disease by increasing the space between people.

"This is the best way to sustain the mission while protecting the force," said Colonel Bennett.

Faced with significant absenteeism and possibly local school closures, supervisors may be directed to implement alternate work schedules, minimum manning, telecommuting and virtual meetings or other arrangements that keep personnel from working in close quarters.

Symptoms do not always indentify a particular disease, said Colonel Bennett. However, they can indicate when an individual has a transmissible disease such as influenza.

Symptoms to be aware of, outside of the normal cough and sore throat, include body aches, nausea and a fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit or higher that lasts several days or doesn't immediately respond to fever reducers. Officials at Headquarters AFRC encourage units to recommend members not report to their unit training assemblies if they have influenza-like symptoms.

"Everyone should maintain a healthy lifestyle and take steps to protect the workforce and community," Colonel Bennett said. "By monitoring personal and family health, reservists can spot illnesses earlier and halt the chain of infection." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)