Medical Squadron shares flu season, H1N1 advice Published Oct. 14, 2009 By Col. Ron Rondeau 452 AMDS Commander MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- As we move into fall, it's time again to prepare for flu season. This year, there has been a lot in the news about the H1N1 or 'Swine Flu.' While the H1N1 flu is a different strain than the 'seasonal' flu that circulates every year, it is still a flu that is treated the same way. If you contract either the seasonal flu or the H1N1, you're going to have a fever, possibly stomach cramps, headaches, nausea, and a general 'run down' feeling. The difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1 is vomiting and diarrhea are more common in H1N1 than seasonal flu and the seasonal flu shot will not prevent the H1N1 flu. Once you have the flu, the only real treatment is bed rest, fluids and pain relievers. If you are diagnosed with H1N1, your private physician may prescribe Tamiflu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counsels people not to take anti-flu drugs like Tamiflu until they have a confirmed diagnosis, because many other diseases have the same symptoms as flu, and Tamiflu may adversely interact with drugs you need to cure those diseases. If you develop symptoms, call your private physician and avoid contact with others as much as possible. Stay home from work or school and avoid public places for seven days after the symptoms begin or until you have been free of symptoms for 24 hours. The CDC recommends five simple but effective practices to prevent the spread of H1N1 and other strains of flu. The Air Mobility Wing's Public Health team is leading a contingent of key people from several wing organizations to prepare for a large outbreak of flu. Commanders and senior ARTs have been briefed about the plan. So, if an outbreak occurs, contact your unit for guidance. Finally, if you feel sick before a UTA, call your unit. They will advise you to stay home. If you feel sick during a UTA, notify your supervisor at your unit. Don't come to the clinic, because we will send you back to your unit, who will send you to see your private physician or home. Let's follow all the safety tips and avoid spreading the flu this season. Tips for staying healthy this fall The CDC recommends five simple but effective practices to prevent the spread of H1N1 and other strains of flu. 1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm or hot water -- cold water is not as effective for killing germs. 2. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash hands when soap and water are not available. 3. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm to minimize the spread of germs. Using your hands raises the risk of spreading germs. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick; avoid close contact with healthy people if you are sick.