H1N1 Virus arrives to local area Published May 14, 2009 By Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kim Bradley 27th Special Operations Medical Group CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Influenza H1N1 has been detected in Curry County when a local child recently tested positive for the H1N1 Influenza virus. The child had a mild illness and has recovered completely. Some children and families associated with Cannon may have been a contact of the child. Contacts of the child who are not sick do not need to be screened or evaluated. The incubation period for Influenza H1N1 is approximately 4-7 days. If individuals do not develop symptom in that time frame, it is unlikely they will become ill from this contact. Persons who have symptoms of influenza ,whether or not they are contacts of the child, are managed per medical protocol. The illness produced by Influenza H1N1 is similar to those of other human influenza viruses. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, chills and fatigue. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like other human influenza viruses, Influenza H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. What you should do to protect yourself and your family. The most important thing that people can do to reduce their risk of illness is to maintain good health and hygiene: · Cover your nose and mouth with tissue or upper shirt sleeve when you cough or sneeze · Wash your hands often with soap and water; use alcohol based hand sanitizers if unable to wash · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth of others · Avoid close contact with people who are sick · If you are sick stay home and limit contact with others until you are well Report to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911 if the following occur: * Severe breathing difficulty, very rapid breathing, or shortness of breath * Severe pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest; bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds * Loss of consciousness, mental confusion, severe dizziness or loss of coordination * A young child who will not wake up or interact with others * Inability to keep small amounts of fluids down; a young child who will not drink fluids * Severe, persistent vomiting or diarrhea; severe pain in the abdomen * Fever greater than 104 F or 40 C Individuals with the flu symptoms and any of the following should be evaluated by medical personnel, but will generally not require emergency care. * Moderate breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest * Fatigue, dizziness, weakness, irritable and does not want to be held · Flu-like symptoms which improve, but then return with fever and worsening cough · A young child with fever and a rash * Fever greater than 101 F (38 C), but less than 104 F (40 C) Individuals with mild symptoms do not require evaluation or treatment; influenza is usually a self-limited illness easily managed with rest, good nutrition and hydration. Over-the-counter medications help to relief symptoms as the body's natural defense mechanisms fight the infection. Call 784-2778 to schedule an appointment or speak with a health care profession; a provider is on-call after hours and weekends. For questions or comments please contact the 27 Special Operations Medical Group Community Relations Officer, Roberta Williams, at 784-0784. She will quickly assist you in obtaining the information you need or forwarding your comments to the proper individuals.