Incirlik stands ready to combat H1N1

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  
Around the world, all eyes have been on the H1N1 influenza virus. It was first detected in the United States in April, 2009, and since then, the news has been bleak. In June, the World Health Organization warned of a worldwide H1N1 "pandemic." Nearly 600 H1N1 cases have already been confirmed in Turkey.

While H1N1 is serious cause for concern, Incirlik is prepared to fight its possible presence, beginning with raising base awareness of flu prevention.

"Prevention is key," said Capt. Gerardo Lopez, 39th Medical Operations Squadron Public Health flight commander. "People should wash their hands constantly, use hand sanitizer and cough in their sleeve. These [measures] can really help with preventing the spread of the flu, or any other sickness."

Captain Lopez said it's hard to determine if someone has the seasonal flu or H1N1 because they are very similar. They both cause the same symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.

According to the WHO, hundreds of thousands of people die each year from the seasonal flu around the world. Every year brings a new strain, but many people have some level of immunity to the virus, which limits its infection. These strains are identified and in most cases, seasonal influenza vaccines are successfully distributed.

But H1N1 is a new flu strain -- one which most people have little or no immunity to, and this causes more infections than the seasonal flu. The severity of H1N1 ranges from mild to severe. Most people who contract H1N1 experience milder symptoms and recover like they would from the seasonal flu. Many of the serious cases are people with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.

"Children under 5 years old, adults older than 65 years old and people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk for flu complications," Captain Lopez said.

If someone experiences influenza symptoms, Captain Lopez recommends they stay at home for no less than 24 hours after the fever breaks.

"There's no need to come to the clinic immediately," he said. "Stay home, and your commander or supervisor should help you with anything you need."

He said initially, because the symptoms of the seasonal flu and H1N1 are similar, public health wouldn't know if an illness is H1N1 or not, but the important thing is whatever people have gets contained before it spreads to others.

After the sick individual experiences 24 hours of being fever free, it is an indication their health is improving. If they still feel sick after 72 hours, they should seek medical attention. If asked to come into the clinic, they should follow the reporting instructions of the reporting clerk.

Relief for H1N1 is on the way. An H1N1 vaccination is scheduled to be distributed in December. The specifics on its distribution will be released as the date gets closer.

"Public health and the 39th Medical Group are in a state of readiness," Captain Lopez said. "We're keeping an eye on our situation here, and we're here to provide any information people need."

Servicemembers and their families can view the latest news about H1N1 at the Pandemic Influenza Watchboard at www.dod.mil/pandemicflu, the official DoD site for issues related to H1N1.