Andrews AFB, Md. –
Malcolm Grow Medical Center has established a "Flu Info Line" for Airmen and their families assigned to Andrews Air Force Base.
If you or your family members are exhibiting flu-like symptoms and have questions or concerns, call the Flu Info Line at 240-857-7777 to speak to a medic.
The Flu Info Line will be in service Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice.
After calling, you may be directed to seek treatment on Andrews. Go directly to the "Flu Clinic" in building number 1075 - the Flight Medicine building next door to Fisher House. This walk-in clinic is ONLY for diagnosis and treatment of the flu. Patients need to see their primary care provider for all other medical problems. The Flu Clinic is open Monday thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice.
Please call the "Flu Info Line" before going to the Flu Clinic.
During the weekend, emergency care is available at the Malcolm Grow Emergency Department on Andrews. Upon arriving at Malcolm Grow, immediately identify yourself as a possible "flu" patient. Individual with non-emergency medical concerns should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible over the weekend to keep from spreading your illness to others.
Follow simple steps to stop the spread of flu
Although numerous human cases of H1N1 virus infection are being identified in the United States and other countries, to date no members of the Air Force District of Washington have been infected, according to Col. (Dr.) Robert Miller, 779th Medical Group Commander, Malcolm Grow Medical Center. "In the event that there is a confirmed case in this facility, we will follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to mitigate influenza transmission in the community," he said.
Colonel Miller said those confirmed cases have exhibited mild symptoms, including fever greater than 100 degrees with sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches and/or fatigue.
In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, the colonel asks all patients to take these simple but important steps in an effort to protect against the spread of germs:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with those who have symptoms of flu.
· If a patient has recently traveled and is concern about a location, information is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu .
· If you or your child gets sick with influenza, the health department recommends that you or your child stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
"AFDW's first priority is to preserve the ability of our Airmen to sustain current military operations and provide for national defense," said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Ralph Jodice. "To protect the Airmen assigned to AFDW, the 79th Medical Wing is working in coordination with the Air Force Medical Service, Joint Task Force CapMed, the state of Maryland, and other regional partners to monitor the rapidly evolving situation."
Flu symptoms include fever greater than 100 degrees with sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches and/or fatigue.