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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES April 30, 2009 Facts about H1N1 flu to aid common sense precautions 75th Medical Group H 1N1 flu has recently made international headlines. The 75th Medical Group is working along with local, state and Department of Defense partners to lessen the impact of H1N1 flu. H1N1 flu virus has been isolated in several countries, so far there are only 40 confirmed cases in the United States. Of these cases, only one was hospitalized. What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu in humans? H1N1 influenza virus regularly causes outbreaks of respiratory disease in pigs. The disease results in high levels of illness in pigs, but is rarely fatal. When people catch H1N1 flu they may have a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue just like the regular flu. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. As with seasonal flu, people with chronic medical conditions are at risk for more severe illness. H1N1 flu in Humans — FAQs: Can people catch H1N1 flu from eating pork? What is H1N1 influenza? How widespread is this H1N1 flu outbreak? Although this strain of No. Eating properly handled and cooked pork is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 with soap and water or an alcoHow does H1N1 flu spread? hol-based hand cleaner. • Wash your hands before It spreads in the same way eating or touching your face, as seasonal flu, mainly perafter touching surfaces that son-to-person transmission someone might have coughed through coughing or sneezor sneezed on, after going out ing of those infected with the into the community, and after virus. People may become incaring for someone who has fected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then the flu or touching something that someone who is sick may touching their mouth or nose. have touched. Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu? If you think you have H1N1 H1N1 flu is not covered by flu contact your health care provider. He or she will be able the flu vaccine we used this to determine if you need testyear, but is susceptible to two ing or treatment. To prevent readily available antiviral spreading the virus: medications. A vaccine can (and will) be developed, but • If you are sick, stay home will take at least three months. from work or school. What can I do to prevent • limit your contact with this disease from spreading? others. • Avoid people with the flu. • Cough and sneeze into dis• Wash your hands often posable tissues. Throw these flu virus. tissues away into a plastic bag. Limit your exposure to the dirty tissues. • Those with flu should use separate eating utensils that are washed in hot soapy water after each meal. • Don't share objects like remote controls or pens. • Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched like door knobs, remote controls, light switches and toilet handles. An effective disinfectant can be made using lA cup of household bleach and 1 gallon of cold water. For further information or questions regarding this outbreak, please contact the Hill AFB Public Health Office at 777-1342 and 586-9582 or visit the Web site at http://www.cdc. gov/swineflu/. Opportunities exist for Team Air Force, including civilians, to voluntarily deploy BY CAPT. BOB EVERDEEN Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs W RIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio — The operations tempo for Air Force employees — both civilian and military — is still high; but volunteers for extended deployments have dropped by more than 20 percent in the past two years. According to an internal Air Force Materiel Command memo released April 21 by Gen. Donald Hoffman, AFMC commander, more volunteers are needed to maintain a steady-state deployment cycle. "These declining numbers result in the need to fill deployments with nonvolunteers and, in turn, negatively impact the mission and families through compressed deployment preparation time and unplanned retirements and separations," the general said. As the Air Force continues to support joint operations around the globe in defense of our national interests, AFMC has done an excellent job providing volunteers to fill 365-day extended deployments, he said. "We need to ensure our best and brightest support the fight, and we need to actively engage with our Airmen to encourage them to take on these mission-critical assignments," Hoffman said. "Our civilian team plays a vital role here, too." Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton ' Schwartz released a memo March 8 outlining opportunities for Department of Defense civilians to serve in global expeditionary positions through a program called the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce, or CEW. Initial guidance on CEW will be released in the near future. "While every civilian will not deploy, it is our goal to create opportunities for those who seek this chance to expand their horizons and service to the Air Force," the memo stated. The Office of the Secretary of Defense has "directed commanders at all levels to support those civilian employees wishing to volunteer. We share that expectation." In 2007, more than 1,100 DoD civilians volunteered to fill 129 Provincial Reconstruction Team positions in Iraq. With that overwhelming show of support, OSD sought more opportunities for civilians to fill and the Combatant Commands identified more than 150 unfilled requirements for 2009. "The bottom line is that we need to redouble our efforts to get the word out on extended deployment opportunities, and then support our volunteers whenever possible," Hoffman said. "We are an expeditionary Air Force and deployments not only support the joint fight, they also increase individual expertise and credibility for future service within our Air Force." Details about extended deployments are available for military people . through their respective Functional Area Managers and deployment cells. Civilians can visit http://www.cpms.osd. mil/expeditionary for more information about CEW. WHEN IT COMES TCT WE KNOW THE DRILL «*>:"•> MEMBER NO ONE UNDERSTANDS THE MILITARY LIKE WE DOr SO WHEN YOU GET NEW MARCHING ORDERS, WE'RE HERE TO HELF* Find a place to live. With USAA's MoversAdvantage® program, you can get up to $3,100 when you buy and sell your home. We'll introduce you to a USAA-preferred real estate agent to help you find just the right home for you and your family. Finance your home. 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