Flu — caution, not panic Published April 30, 2009 By Maj. Matthew West 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Cases of H1N1 influenza have been identified in at least five states. H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that produces regular outbreaks in pigs. People normally don't get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. In late March and early April, cases of human infection with H1N1 viruses were first reported in southern California and near San Antonio. The Centers for Disease Control has determined that this H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time it's not known how easily the virus spreads between people. Symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue; some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Flu viruses, including H1N1 flu, are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people are by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. The most important way to avoid the flu is to focus on good general health -- wash hands often, get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, managing stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and avoid close contact with people who are sick. The good news is that those in the U.S. who have contracted the virus are recovering, and only a couple of people have required hospitalization. Also, anti-viral medication is effective against H1N1 flu. If you exhibit flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider. Most importantly, it's better to stay home from work or school if you have flu-like symptoms so you don't spread the virus. To protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs spread this way. Avoid close contact with sick people. If you get the flu, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. The 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health flight is monitoring the outbreak of human cases of the H1N1 influenza virus. The flight staff has been providing information to doctors and their staffs on how to screen patients and how to prepare to respond if Keesler sees any cases. Although no cases are known to have occurred in Mississippi at this time, the flight is engaged with higher headquarters as well as local and state public health departments. For specific questions, call 376-3162.