JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
After battling the H1N1 virus for a week and falling victim to crippling weakness, Capt. Timothy Klark, Air Force District of Washington Air Space and Information Operations, Plans and Requirements deputy chief of current operations, has a few words of advice for those who risk infection by not getting vaccinated.
Captain Klark was bedridden with the latest influenza virus, which targets the young and healthy, from Oct. 22 to Oct. 30.
Until recently, non-essential military members and DoD civilians had a tough time finding a vaccine for the menacing illness. Joint Team Andrews members can receive the H1N1 vaccine in Bldg. 1063 at the Immunizations Clinic from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What makes the virus so dangerous is that H1N1 could combine with the Seasonal flu to produce individual office absenteeism up to 40 percent, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Its studies estimated that about 1 million became infected with H1N1 between April and June 2009.
Captain Klark's account offers a window into what those million-or-so victims endured.
"[My throat] burned for four days and I received little relief from conventional fever-reducing methods, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen," said Captain Klark.
With this virus, like most, the best treatment occurs before infection.
"Having items on hand like huge amounts of hand sanitizer, juice, soda and traditional home remedies like soup and pudding makes life easier," said Captain Klark.
Single victims should be aware of the risks associated with living alone and becoming infected with the H1N1 virus. Dizzy spells and weakness are among the preliminary virus symptoms, which limit movement about the home and make it difficult to nurse oneself back to health without some outside aide.
It is important for all Joint Team Andrews members to monitor their health as closely as possible this season for signs of oncoming illness.
If caught early, H1N1 can be treated with tamiflu or other anti-retrovirals. Infection will certainly require ample sick leave.
Civilian employees are allowed to take advance sick leave in the event of infection.
"Taking time for rest was the most effective tool for getting over this," said Captain Klark.
Rest allows the body to fight the virus and increases the ability to remain properly hydrated. In addition, coming in to work with flu-like symptoms greatly increases the chances of spreading the virus amongst coworkers.
Keep up with the latest H1N1 headlines at the AFDW flu Web site at http://newpreview.afnews.af.mil/afdw/h1n1/index.asp, which includes the newly expanded list of vaccine recipients at MGMC.