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WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 29, 2009) - While
emphasizing caution, the surgeon general of the Army said there's
no reason to be alarmed by H1N1 (formerly swine) flu.
"It's important for you all to understand that there is no cause
for panic or alarm," wrote Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, U.S. Army
surgeon general in his blog. "Antiviral drugs are available in the
event you become ill; and there are preventive measures you can
take to stay healthy."
The H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed in such places as Mexico,
the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Spain and the United
Kingdom. There have been deaths in Mexico.
The H1N1 flu usually occurs in pigs, though certain strains can
be passed to humans -- and from human to human.
"The most recent cases of H1N1 flu appear to have the ability to
be passed from person to person and have resulted in a number of
cases in the United States as well as widespread disease in certain
parts of Mexico," Schoomaker said. "It is likely that this H1N1 flu
will spread to many if not all parts of the United States."
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to other kinds of flu,
including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue. In some cases, there may also be vomiting and
diarrhea.
The H1N1 flu is passed from person to person much like other
forms of the flu, Schoomaker said.
"Most people catch H1N1 flu the same way they catch the regular
flu," he said. "You can catch H1N1 flu by coming in contact with
droplets from infected people after they sneeze or cough. This can
occur by being in the path of a sneeze or cough or touching
something that has those droplets on it and then touching your
mouth, nose or eyes."
Medication like Tamiflu and Relenza can treat the H1N1 flu,
Schoomaker said. These medications are not available over the
counter, however, but by doctor's prescription.
"If you have H1N1 flu and need treatment, treatment should start
within two days after you begin to feel sick," Schoomaker said.
Those with chronic medical conditions are at risk for more severe
illness from the H1N1 flu, he said.
According to Schoomaker, neither the Army nor the overall
military population are showing any unusual spike in illness that
might indicate H1N1 flu. Additionally, the general said, he and
other senior medical officials in the joint community are staying
abreast of the issue in order to keep the force healthy.
"Rest assured that my staff and I are working the H1N1 flu issue
closely with the Joint Staff surgeon, the assistant secretary of
Defense for Health Affairs, the other military services, Health and
Human Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Preventive
Medicine," Schoomaker said.
Deployed service members are at no increased risk of infection,
according to information released by the Surgeon General's
Office.
The Army Medical Command recommends Soldiers and their families
avoid contracting the H1N1 flu by avoiding those who already have
the flu, and by washing their hands often.
"If you think you have H1N1 flu, contact your health care
provider. He or she will be able to determine if you need testing
or treatment," Schoomaker said.
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