Preventing the spread of H1N1

Public health officials are preparing for the onset of seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 flu virus by beginning preparations in force, earlier than expected. Health officials predict an early onset of seasonal flu this year.

The H1N1 vaccine is not expected to be available until mid-October as clinical trials are continuing. The Department of Defense has procured 2.7 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine for and will be a phased distribution beginning with the highest-risk populations, within military forces, DOD civilians and critical contractors. Primary priority groups within the DOD will consist of deployed forces, ships afloat, high risk healthcare workers and mass training areas (i.e. Boot Camp/Basic Training, Service Academies). The secondary group will be critical personnel followed by all other personnel.

Those identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as being at highest risk for both types of flu and encouraged to receive vaccines include:

Healthcare workers.
Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.
Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People 25 to 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immunity.

Seasonal flu vaccine involves one injection. H1N1 vaccine will require two injections 21 to 28 days apart. Health department officials suggest taking seasonal flu vaccines as early as possible, given the potential for an early start to the flu season this year.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Develop a family plan as a precaution. This should include stocking up on everyday items like foods and medicines as well as facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Department of Defense Military Treatment Facilities will provide more information as it becomes available and will announce when the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines are available.

For more information you can visit www.dod.mil/pandemicflu, www.flu.gov or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

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Basic Mitigation Steps Key to Protection from Flu

As the Federal Government, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continues to mount an aggressive response – led by science – to the H1N1 outbreak, leaders continue to urge calm with caution while emphasizing personal responsibility for following basic preventive health steps.

From President Obama to the Surgeon General of the Army, a recurring theme is that preventive measures such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home from work or school when experiencing flu-like symptoms, while seemingly trivial, are key to staying healthy and helping prevent further spread of the virus.

U.S. Pacific Command continues to monitor this public health emergency very closely and encourages service members and their families to go about their normal daily routine while following public health messages, staying abreast of the news, and visiting websites such as the CDC’s for the latest and most accurate information.

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Preventive Measures Encouraged in Response to H1N1 Outbreak

As noted in Pacific Command’s April 28 news release on the topic, military medical professionals throughout the PACOM area of responsibility (AOR) are closely monitoring the current outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus and are encouraging service members and their families to exercise normal precautionary measures they use during the flu season.

These precautions include, staying at home when sick; covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; washing your hands regularly; avoiding touching your nose, mouth or eyes; and seeking medical care if you are ill.
A number of resources are available for timely, accurate information concerning the H1N1 influenza. They include:

Defenselink
Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization
Department of Agriculture
Hawaii Department of Public Health
Hawaii State Civil Defense

PACOM is monitoring the health of the force to ensure we're taking the necessary precautions to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel, as well as family members.

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