Public Health Spring Break Health/Safety Tips

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  With spring break right around the corner, the 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight would like to provide a few helpful tips to keep you and your families happy, safe and healthy during your time off. 

Spring break is a great time to enjoy food with family and friends. Don't let your vacation take a turn for the worse by eating or serving unsafe foods. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat and their juices separate from fruits, vegetables and previously prepared foods.  Cook food to an appropriate internal temperature and refrigerate food quickly after serving. Also, wash hands with soap and warm water for twenty seconds before preparing food. Check out www.foodsafety.gov for additional tips.

Also, on the topic of hand washing, common colds, the flu (Influenza) and other respiratory illnesses are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. While these illnesses are more common during winter months, they are also spread throughout the year. To help stop the spread of germs, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often. If you are sick, stay away from preparing meals, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces often, and avoid close contact with other people.

If venturing outside of the U.S., check for health-related and other travel notices issued for your vacation destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a great resource to learn what actions you should take to stay healthy and safe. Their current travel notices include Zika Virus, Polio, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Visit the CDC for more information (Travelers' Health website). The 366th Medical Group also recommends that travelers contact their primary care manager or Public Health Flight to receive a pre-travel medical education briefing.  For country-specific information about safety and security, visit the U.S. Department of State page (Travel Alerts and Warnings).  

Staying current on routine vaccinations is important, whether hanging out in the local area, traveling within the U.S. or traveling overseas. Additional vaccines are recommended for certain areas outside of the U.S. Vaccines are given on a walk-in basis during normal business hours at the Mountain Home AFB Immunization Clinic. The clinic is open Monday - Thursday, from 7:30-11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., and Friday mornings from 7:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Please call the Immunizations Clinic at 208-828-7260 for any questions and to confirm your vaccine is in stock.

Remember to have fun and be safe.  For additional information, contact the Public Health Flight at 208-828-7280.