Emergency Warning Signs Requiring Urgent

Medical AttentionChildren: •Fast or trouble breathing•Bluish or gray skin color•Not drinking enough Fluids•Severe or persistent vomiting•Not waking up or interacting•Being so irritable that child doesn’t want to be held•Flu-like symptoms which improve but then return with fever and worsening cough

Adults:•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen•Sudden dizziness•Confusion•Sever or persistent vomiting•Flu- like symptoms which improve but then return with fever and worsening cough

If you or a family member experiences these symptoms please report to the

Emergency Room

High Risk for Flu Complications•Age <5 or >65 years old•Pregnant•Weakened immune system, Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, Heart Disease , other chronic conditions•Kids <19 yrs old on chronic aspirin therapy•Resident of nursing home/chronic care facility

For More Information:•www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/•www.flu.gov•www.pandemicflu.gov

72d Medical Group5700 Arnold StTinker AFB OK 73145(405) 734-2778

Flu and You

Important Information For You and Your Family

October 2009

Important Actions to Take If You Think You Have the Flu

DO NOT PANIC! Most cases of H1N1 influenza are mild and resolve on their own with time. Most people with flu do not need to be seen in the clinic.1.Stay home and avoid contact with other people. This means you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. It also means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social and public gatherings.2.Contact your health care provider if you have questions, if you have severe illness or you or a family member area at high risk for flu complications (blue box on back panel). Patients enrolled to Tinker should call 734-2778.3.Seek emergency medical care if you become ill and experience any of the warning signs listed in the red box on back panel.

Specific Actions for Active Duty Members

1. Contact the clinic at 734-2778. Members believed to have flu will likely be placed on quarters until fever has resolved for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications). Individuals assigned to Flight Medicine will continue to call their normal appointment line at 736-2672.

2. Contact your supervisor. Call your supervisor (or other designee per unit policy) to let them know you are sick and will be calling the clinic.

3. Quarters = Stay home. Members on quarters are required to remain in their homes and away from others, except to obtain medical care.

What is novel strain H1N1 influenza? Flu is caused by a germ called influenza virus. Each year several strains of influenza virus circulate around the world. The flu vaccine used each year contains the three most common strains that year. Unexpectedly, at the end of the flu season this past spring, a new type (novel strain) of the virus H1N1, began to circulate worldwide.

Is H1N1 influenza any different than other strains of influenza virus? In the US, about 36,000 people die from flu related illnesses. This virus appears to be as dangerous as other flu strains, although individuals with high risk medical conditions (see back panel) seem to have an increased risk of complications with this strain.

How will I know if I have been infected by H1N1? Symptoms of this flu include fever (temperature of 100°F or more), cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

How is it spread? Flu viruses are commonly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Infection my also occur by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The virus can survive and infect a person for 2-8 hours after being deposited on a surface.

What should I do right now? Follow the same actions that you take to prevent any flu - healthy lifestyle practices (hand washing) and avoid the germs and viruses spread by people who are sick with the flu.

Everyday actions help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like flu.•Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures•Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for several days. Purchase a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items to avoid trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. Be sure you have a thermometer and know how to use it.•Practice good health habits. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest and participating in regular exercise can help you body’s immune system.•Stay informed. Knowing the facts is important. Public health recommendations will change as more is learned about this virus. Identify sources you can count on for up to date, reliable information. See back panel for some recommended websites.

Basic Information About the Flu

Prevention…Help Avoid Getting the Flu

Home Care Advice For People with the Flu

TO HELP YOU FEEL BETTER:•DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS – Drink clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages, Pedialyte) to keep from getting dehydrated.•MEDICATIONS – Take non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and cough medicine to relieve symptoms of fever, pain and cough. Don’t take regularly if your symptoms improveDo NOT give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or products containing aspirin to children <18 yrs old.

TO AVOID SPREADING H1N1 FLU:•STAY HOME – Avoid going to school, work or public places until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines•WEAR A FACEMASK – If you share a common space with other household members or if you must go out, wear a facemask to help prevent spreading the virus to others.•HANDWASHING – Have everyone in the household wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.•REDUCE CONTAMINATION – Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but should not be shared without washing thoroughly. Linens should be washed using laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer immediately after handling dirty laundry.Eating utensils should be washed either by hand (soap and water) or dishwasher. Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

The good news is that most cases can be treated at home with basic over the counter medications. However, in the event that you need to be seen at the clinic, please call the normal appointment line at 734-2778 in order to be seen at our Flu Clinic. •The flu clinic handles all flu cases and is located in the area previously occupied by orthopedics. The entrance is just right of the main pharmacy entrance and has specialized parking just for their patients. •All patients with flu symptoms will be required to wear a mask while in the facility.•Some patients will be referred to urgent care as needed.

What Should I Expect From The Clinic?