Story by: Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan ---- Bacteria, viruses and assorted oozes -- the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Flight Medicine Team definitely deals with the seedier side of life here.
The recommendations they offer Airmen on how to prevent catching 'the crud" are reminiscent of a mother's advice.
Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Keep your room clean by placing dirty clothes in a hamper. Dust often. Wipe up those food crumbs. Change your socks at least daily and use antifungal powder. Wear shower shoes.
Get your shots -- influenza, smallpox and all other mandatory vaccines.
Tell the doctor about your troubles. Documenting illness trends is important in preventing or preparing for possible epidemics.
The simplest and most effective prevention against influenza is vaccination, said Air Force Dr. (Maj.) Philip Lundy, an Air Force Reserve flight surgeon working with the 455th AEWFMT.
"I know a lot of people don't want the shot because they think that they catch the flu from it, but it's an unfounded fear," said the doctor, whose civilian job is as a primary care doctor at the New Orleans Veteran's Administration Medical Center.
"If those who shy away from getting the shot could see the (personnel) who didn't get vaccinated and wound up suffering from the flu as a result -- they"d be lining up at our door immediately," said Air Force Senior Airman Jason Weiss, 455th AEWFMT medical technician.
Even a few service members down due to illness can present challenges to coworkers, who will have to work extra hours to fill in for sick comrades.
Security forces here are the most proactive squadron in taking advantage of preventive medicine to keep its troops healthy, said Weiss, who maintains the clinic records.
"Simply put, "GET-R-DONE!" " said Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony Frazier, quoting the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's motto.
"Vaccinations are designed to protect people, and following this simple instruction is just too easy," he said.
Another key element in preventing illness at home station or at a deployed location is to maintain a healthy immune system.
"I suggest that everyone exercise regularly, hydrate, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of sleep," said Weiss who is also a certified personal trainer.
When service members do catch 'the crud," they shouldn't hesitate to visit sick call, said Lundy.
Those fighting common colds, respiratory ailments and sports injuries, or other ailments, can visit the "docs" during the clinic's sick-call hours. Medical care is also available 24-hours a day at the various medical clinics throughout Afghanistan.
"You do yourself and your coworkers a disservice by not seeing us and getting proper medical care, because you're not functioning at your best, and you're spreading the illness to others," said Lundy.
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 01.19.2005 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 873 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 148 |
This work, Prevention keeps Coalition fit to fight, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
