Flu symptoms nothing to sneeze at Published Nov. 3, 2009 By Arlo Taylor 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Even though nearly 4,100 people have received flu shots at the base clinic, the threat of the seasonal sickness is nothing to sneeze at - especially with the threat of the H1N1 flu. Base medical officials are awaiting shipment of the H1N1 flu vaccine and have instituted new actions for those who have the flu or flu-like symptoms to minimize risk to the Little Rock Air Force Base mission. Those experiencing flu-like symptoms - fever, sore throat, headache, cough, body aches, fatigue, etc. - can call the 19th Medical Group at 987-8811 and choose the option to leave a message for the nurse. The nurse will call patients back and if symptoms warrant, patients will receive an appointment or be placed on quarters. "People really need to stay home if they are sick," said Lt. Col. Anne Magpuri, 19th Medical Group deputy commander. "Those put on quarters should rest, drink plenty of fluids and remember that they are required to remain in their home during the period they are off work." The basics of hygiene - washing hands, keeping hand and fingers away from your mouth and covering coughs - are as important as ever, base medical officials said. Supervisors can expect their sick Airmen to be on quarters for at least 72 hours, and after the initial 72 hours of quarters members can call for a second flu telephone consult. Most members should be able to return to work after six days, Colonel Magpuri said. If a member's condition worsens during sick/quarters status or after seven days, they should call 987-8811 for over the phone triage. For the latest information about the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, visit www.flu.gov.