Commanding General addresses flu concerns

By Brig. Gen. Bradley W. MaySeptember 18, 2009

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According to the latest weekly statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, our state is one of 21 in the country where the spread of the flu is categorized as widespread. So if you haven't taken this year's flu threat seriously, it is time to listen up.

First of all and most important, I would like for you to rest assured that Fort Jackson has anticipated the onslaught of the virus and has an aggressive plan in place to combat both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus. I can assure you that our objective is to limit the spread of any type of influenza strain in our community, which in itself creates challenges because of the Basic Combat Training Center.

Among a daily population of 30,000, we have roughly 10,000 Soldiers in training, with 800 to 1,000 new Soldiers arriving here each week. We have a number of preventative measures in place that reinforce our sanitation effort to reduce the spread of germs. Simple things, such as frequent hand washing and good personal hygiene actions, are very important in minimizing the spread of germs.

Reinforcing this objective, all Soldiers and employees will carry alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Meanwhile, hand sanitation stations are readily available across post, and hundreds of additional stations are being set up in our ongoing effort. In addition to more intense personal hygiene, social practices and the spacing between individuals will be modified.

Hand shaking is discouraged. Office spacing and the distance between bunks in the barracks will be maximized. Soldiers also will sleep in a head-to-toe pattern to reduce risks. As you can see, our mission to limit the spread of the flu - or any contagious disease, for that matter - requires that maximum effort and participation on your part. The community is only as successful as its members.

Information and educational efforts have been stepped up to ensure that our entire community is aware of the best practices to limit their exposures to any virus. We will continue to track illness in our entire population with daily reports. This information will allow us to respond accordingly to any specific threats.

Also, I feel it important to mention that this past week, Moncrief Army Community Hospital announced its seasonal flu shot schedule. These shots are for the seasonal flu and not H1N1. Flu shots for H1N1 are not yet available.

Beginning Oct. 5, seasonal flu shots will be administered at the Solomon Center 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and every other Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Active-duty personnel will receive vaccinations with their units, which assists in readiness accountability.

Family members, beneficiaries and retirees with valid military identification can receive their shots through Moncrief. Small children - 6 months to 3 years old - will get their shots at the Family Health Clinic. Elementary school children, teachers and parent beneficiaries will be vaccinated at the schools.

We realize that despite the best plans, some will get sick.

There is a good chance we will see the number of cases spike between now and March. We anticipate the biggest surge during the first week of January after the end of Block Leave, when 10,000 return to post. All in all, I am confident that we will meet this mission head on and will continue to do everything we can to protect our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians.

I will continue to keep all of you informed. Army Strong!

Brig. Gen. Bradley W. May

Commanding General