Most H1N1 cases mild

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The H1N1 virus has spread globally since it was first detected in April 2009. The new influenza virus has caused a lot of concern, but most people who became ill with the virus have recovered without needing medication. 

"The majority of flu cases year were caused by the H1N1 strain," said Maj. Thomas Doker, Sheppard's Public Health Officer In Charge. "Most cases are milder than the seasonal flu. The cases that are more severe, on average, take about three days for the illness to go from mild to critical." 

People at high risk include those older than 65, children younger than 5, pregnant women and people with certain chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and kidney disease. He said anyone at high risk or feels symptoms in addition to the normal flu symptoms should seek medical treatment immediately. 

Normal symptoms include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. 1st Lt. Venita Ramirez, a public health officer, said most people experiencing these symptoms will probably recover without needing emergency treatment. 

Lieutenant Ramirez said warning signs that indicate someone is in need of urgent medical care include difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting. 

"The best thing to do is stay home if you're feeling flu-like symptoms," Major Doker said. He said supervisors may allow workers to stay home for 24 hours for up to three days in a row. After 72 hours, seek medical attention. 

He said anyone who has a fever and a cough or sore throat should "stay home from work until 24 hours after the fever is gone without using any medication." 

Major Doker said the Department of Defense will begin sending the vaccine soon, but there is no confirmed date that Sheppard will have it. 

"There will be enough for everyone that wants to be vaccinated, but since the vaccine is coming in smaller shipments, we will prioritize who will be vaccinated first," he said. 

Deployed and deploying personnel, heath care and active duty personnel will take priority at Sheppard. 

For more information on the H1N1 virus please call Public Health at 676-3052 or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.CDC.gov.