All U.S. states except Hawaii are reporting widespread flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control website. While this is not the case in Guantanamo Bay, hospital leaders are taking a proactive approach to sustain this trend.

Kevin Robarge, emergency management, Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, said a pandemic influenza tabletop meeting was held in conjunction with Naval Station Guantanamo Bay personnel and other directorates across the installation. The meeting included discussing tactics to effectively hinder the spread of influenza on base and educate the public.

"During the working group, we established communications and action plans," Robarge said. "We determined the best options to educate residents on a variety of topics including effective cough hygiene, hand washing and other tips which will help eliminate the probability of the spread of flu-like viruses."

Based on those discussions, informational pamphlets have been distributed on social media sites and in the local newspaper. A public service announcement was created and is being played on the local radio station. Information concerning flu shots being provided at no cost has been published and 13 hand sanitizing stations were built and are being placed in various high traffic areas around the installation.

Lt. Cmdr. Robert Kimberling, director of public health, NHGB, provided several suggestions to proactively decrease the spread of the flu and similar illnesses. He said to stay home if you are sick unless you need to come to the hospital for medical care, cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and be sure to a receive flu shot.

"The number of flu cases here is not at a level to cause concern," Kimberling said. "Although there is no need to panic, everyone should be proactive."

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