Protecting yourself, family members from a pandemic Published Oct. 31, 2006 By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Gatewood Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- Military and civilian members of Pacific Air Forces have a pandemic influenza plan that prepares for, prevents and if required, contains effects of a possible influenza pandemic on PACAF military forces, civilian workforce, contractors and family members. The plan has been formulated as part of the preparations taking place around the world to counter a possible pandemic that could arise as a result of the bird flu virus, H5N1. The plan will continue to be refined as more information about the H5N1 virus becomes available. PACAF is actively involved in regional planning for a possible pandemic, and is coordinating with Pacific Command and national-level planners in the event of a pandemic in the PACAF area of responsibility," said Wing Commander Rodney Smallwood, Royal Australian Air Force and currently assigned to 13th Air Force as the Chief of the Homeland Defense Plans branch. "This involvement encompasses both scoping potential PACAF contributions to a government response as well as protection of PACAF members and their families, in the event of a national or international outbreak," he said. The H5N1 virus is one of 144 possible subtypes of avian flu (bird flu) viruses. The H5N1 virus has been found in birds in parts of Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. As the spread of the virus among birds increases, so does the opportunity for the virus to be transmitted directly from birds to humans. According to the DoD Pandemic Influenza Watchboard Web site, human H5N1 infection has occurred in countries throughout the PACAF area of responsibility to include Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Between 2003 to present, out of the 256 laboratory-confirmed cases of avian influenza, 151 have been fatal. Currently, the virus has not resulted in sustained human-to-human transmission and there are no reported cases in the United States. "This means that where there have been rare instances of limited transmission between people, H5N1 infections in humans has largely been the result of close contact with infected birds," said PACAF Public Health Officer Lt. Col. Cynthia Cogburn. "What makes the H5N1 virus a potential candidate for a pandemic is that people have no natural immunity to H5N1 and the virus has demonstrated an ability to mutate, and it could change and become easily transmitted from person to person," she said. Even though there is no imminent threat of an influenza pandemic, PACAF military, civilians and family members are asked to become knowledgeable in, and prepare for a possible influenza pandemic, much like you would prepare for a typhoon, a hurricane, or an earthquake. "Keep an emergency kit just like you would for a typhoon or hurricane," said Senior Master Sgt. Roger Smith II, PACAF Emergency Management superintendent. "Unlike a typhoon or hurricane kit where you keep three to five day of supplies, you should keep at least a 30-day supply in a pandemic influenza emergency kit." This is because a pandemic could last for weeks and months and shortages of essential items would likely occur. A disaster supplies checklist can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site at http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/index.shtm then by clicking on Appendix B or on the Centers for Disease Control Web site at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html. Some of the items that should be in the kit include: · First aid supplies · Non-prescription and prescription medicine supplies · Sanitation and hygiene supplies · Equipment and tools · Non-perishable food and bottled water · Clothes and bedding supplies · Documents and keys Other items to consider and plan for in the event of a pandemic include: · The possibility of limited services such as medical services, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, grocery stores, schools and daycares · Other ways to get to work, or if possible, work from home · Child care because the schools are closed, or keep children at home · Consider ways to care for people with special needs such as infants and the elderly in case the services they rely on are not available and don't forget to prepare for you pets · Find support systems at military installations Being prepared with an emergency kit and having a plan will help in the event of a pandemic, but to help reduce the effects of a pandemic, prevention is key. Additionally, military beneficiaries are encouraged to take advantage of the seasonal influenza vaccinations now underway. Where the seasonal vaccine does not protect against the H5N1 virus, it will reduce the opportunity for influenza virus mutations that could lead to the development of a pandemic strain by preventing influenza infection in people. "In the event of a pandemic, some of the practical preventive measures people can take are those steps you take to prevent any flu virus," Lt Col Cogburn said. "Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner; don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth as you can infect yourself if your hands have touched contaminated surfaces such as door knobs, other people's hands, and such; and avoid close contact with people who are sick." Besides the common prevention methods the DoD PI Watchboard Web site also offers the following for people who may travel to countries where outbreaks of avian influenza are occurring: · Eat only USDA-inspected poultry and eggs · Eat fully cooked poultry (internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit or no pink meat) · Wash hands before and after handling raw poultry · Wash surfaces after contact with raw poultry · Eat only thoroughly cooked eggs · Avoid contact with sick or dead birds · Don't eat wild birds · Don't slaughter your own poultry · Avoid poultry farms and markets where live poultry are kept/sold Pandemics have occurred every 10 to 50 years since the 16th century including the "Spanish Flu," the most severe one in 1918. "Twenty to 40 percent of the world population became ill and more than 50 million people died, including 675,000 Americans," said Lt Col Cogburn "Unlike seasonal influenza, which has more severe consequences in the very young and old, the highest mortality in 1918 was in the 20- to 50-year-old population." "The possibility of a "Bird Flu" generated pandemic influenza is a serious issue and everyone should remain vigilant by taking the right precautions," said Wing Commander Smallwood. Visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov for general information on pandemic flu and https://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/index.html for information specific to military members and their families. Members can also call the Deployment Health Hotline toll-free at 1-800-497-6261 or contact their local military Public Health offices for more information.