Photo by Winston Wilson, DOIM Photo Branch Col. Van Coots, Walter Reed Health Care System commander, demonstrates how people should cover their cough or sneeze to avoid spreading germs, including the H1N1 virus.

“Since spring of this year, the world has been in the midst of a pandemic due to the new strain of influenza virus (H1N1),” says the memorandum signed by Walter Reed Health Care System Commander Col. Van Coots.

“Currently, the United States is experiencing wide-spread outbreaks of illness,” Coots adds. Many measures to limit the spread of this disease have been put in place. However, the best protection against this virus is vaccination.”

He says the Department of Defense has purchased enough of the H1N1 vaccine to vaccinate all active duty servicemembers, critical civilians and Walter Reed contractors.

“The Department of Health and Human Services has also purchased this vaccine ó enough to vaccinate all civilians who would like to receive it,” Coots says.

“The Department of Defense has mandated that all active duty servicemembers be vaccinated against this 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Federal civilian employees and contract employees are highly encouraged to be vaccinated, but they are not under mandatory orders. Immunization against this influenza virus protects the immunized person, as well as all others the immunized person comes in contact with.”

Coots said WRAMC patients “are particularly vulnerable” to the effects of H1N1 and its complications. “Thus, it is particularly important to have all staff members immunized against this virus.

Coots explained that after active duty servicemembers are immunized at WRAMC, if supply allows, “WRAMC will provide the vaccination to all staff free of charge.

“Federal civilian and contract employees who provide direct patient care and decline to receive this vaccination will be asked to sign a declination form to document that the vaccination was offered but declined,” Coots said, [but] “all federal civilian and contract employees of WRAMC are highly encouraged to get vaccinated against this virus.”

Nearly 4 million doses of H1N1 vaccine were ordered by DoD, according to defense officials.

Immunization for both seasonal flu and H1N1 is mandatory for all military personnel and highly recommended for beneficiaries.

To help fight the spread of the flu virus and other germs, health officials recommend the following:

ï If you have a cold or flu, avoid close contact with others. Stay home for work and school. Avoid going out unless it’s absolutely necessary.

ï Cover your cough or sneeze.

ï Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.

ï Thow away used tissue.

ï Wash your hands often.

ï Always wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom.

ï Wash hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds with warm, soapy water or alcohol-based gel.

ï Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when people touch something contaminated with germs (for example, other people’s hands or smooth surfaces) and then touch their own eyes, nose or mouth. (Stripe)