Academy and likely at other schools in fall

The United States Air Force Academy reached 103 confirmed cases of swine flu last week.

As of Friday, there were 37 cadets in isolation, which was down from the previous weekend when 121 cadets were isolated, said John Van Winkle, spokesman for the Academy. At that time, there had also been 124 cadets returned to duty from isolation.

Last week there were less cadets with flu-like symptoms than the week before, he said.

When the Academy started noticing more cases than is usual, they followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance by putting the cadets in isolation to limit the spread of the illness as well as helping them regain their health and get back to training, Van Winkle said.

The Academy also educated others on base about how to limit the spread of the illness and what the symptoms are for adults and children, he said

The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment has been in contact with the Academy, said Public Health Director Kandi Buckland.

Those found with swine flu at the Air Force Academy are not the only ones in the county to have contracted the illness. Buckland said the department has primarily seen groups of people who have gathered for classes or travel with the virus.

“We need to be prepared for a widespread flu this fall,” she said. School starts in a few weeks, which will increase the chances for the illness to spread.

The health department will be meeting with primary and secondary school leadership, childcare centers, universities and colleges about the potential for the virus’ spread, she said.

“It is important to take this seriously and prepare,” she said. Individuals are strongly encouraged to come up with a plan in case they or their family members contract swine flu including measures such as staying home from work or school.

Businesses are advised to consider what they will do if their workforce is out of the office due to illness, Buckland said.

The outbreak is being managed both in the area and around the country by identifying those who are sick, arranging testing if appropriate and providing information about antiviral medicines to those who are ill, she said.

The virus spreads through droplets that leave the body when one coughs or sneezes, Buckland said. Others can contract swine flu when they rub their eyes, scratch their noses or ingest the droplets.

“It is possible to be contagious prior to having symptoms,” she said.

Symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees or more, body aches and sometimes nausea and vomiting, Buckland said. Pregnant women, children and those who have a chronic condition are more at risk for complications with the flu.

The illness is seen a bit more frequently in those who are between the ages of 5 and 24, she said. Not everyone who believes they could have the virus needs to be tested.

If one suspects he or she might have the swine flu, Buckland asks the individual self-isolate for seven days or until all symptoms have been resolved. She added those who are experiencing flu symptoms and are concerned about their illness and those who have an underlying medical condition should see a healthcare provider.

To prevent contracting the illness, she recommends individuals wash their hands frequently with hot, soapy water when out in public and to not scratch their noses, eyes or mouths, Buckland said.