The site provides situational awareness and responses to the continuously evolving and ongoing information about influenza, as well as guidance for the prevention and control of infection.

The publicly accessible site is geared toward healthcare and non-healthcare professionals, military members and those eligible for military health benefits.

“The influenza Web site was designed to consolidate all the influenza information, from policy and recommendations to guidelines both on the military and civilian sides of the house,“ said Lt. Cmdr. Linda Dunn, a medical corps officer who initiated and maintains the site's information.

NMCPHC receives guidance, policies and memos from such entities as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Navy.

As NMCPHC receives updates about influenza, Dunn posts and categorizes pertinent information.

“We're trying to keep the Web site up-to-date with new policies, clinical updates for treatment and other resources about influenza prevention,“ said Dunn.

Portions of the site are specifically designed for healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals both in and out of the military.

“The majority of the policy and instructions area is for healthcare professionals like physicians or an independent duty corpsman,“ explained Dunn. “But, it's also for the healthcare administrator or anyone else who needs to coordinate different influenza prevention and education programs and needs to understand what types of vaccinations and protocols they need to support those programs. Visitors can find guidance on all the different policies and instructions outlining proper protocol for successful programs.“

The site provides information such as who receives immunizations first, when to implement different guidance throughout the year, when to increase surveillance and how to report influenza-related events held at commands and activities.

“Whether you're a healthcare professional or a dependant who knows nothing about medical health information, anyone visiting this site can find basic information about influenza and how to prevent its infection,“ said Dunn.

Along with a description of signs and symptoms of infection, the site also explains concerns about pregnant women and infection, and specific issues regarding people with special needs.

The site includes a link to Commander, Navy Installations Command which provides information to family members, explained Dunn.

For more information and resources, visit the influenza Web site at www-nehc.med.navy.mil⁄ Diseases_Conditions⁄influenza_resources.aspx.

For more news from Navy Medicine Support Command, visit www.navy.mil⁄local⁄nmsc⁄.