Sheppard prepares for H1N1 season Published Sept. 10, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Most of the American population experiences coughing, sneezing and fevers in the fall and winter months because of the flu, but this year a new strain of the flu, H1N1, is causing people to be more precautious. "Vaccinations for the virus will begin nationwide in October. The exact date for Sheppard is still pending," said Maj. (Dr.) Jason Kelly, the base public health emergency officer from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron. In an earlier article by the American Forces Press Service published this week, it was said that the vaccine has been licensed by the Food and Drug Administration and will be mandatory for all uniformed personnel. Other precautions are being taken to prevent the H1N1 virus as well, especially where the Airmen in Training are concerned. "The biggest thing I would say is prevention. We screen every student that comes in, even before the H1N1 occurrence. Should they show signs of illness, we isolate and treat them and screen anyone with whom they've been in close contact with," Major Kelly said. While the vaccination is invaluable, Sheppard will still carry out its second wave of prevention planning--disease containment plans. Sheppard will also continue to encourage other more simple steps to prevent getting and spreading the virus. "Doing things like constantly washing your hands and staying home if you're sick will play a huge part in virus prevention this flu season. We also encourage supervisors to let their Airmen stay home when they're sick. They don't necessarily have to go to the clinic and get on quarters," he said. For more information on the H1N1 virus at Sheppard visit www.sheppard.af.mil/swineinfluenza.asp or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ .