Allow me to stoke the speculative fires with a NORTHCOM flu release:

[link to www.northcom.mil]

Partial:


Introduction
The flu season is upon us. Whether it's an uncommon strain such as H1N1 or just the latest seasonal influenza, the flu is a real threat to our mission, our families, and our way of life.

The health of our personnel is critical to do the mission of NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Under the National Response Framework, USNORTHCOM could be called upon to assist a primary federal agency such as the Department of Health and Human Services in response to a crisis like pandemic influenza. Now, more than ever, the health and welfare of service members, civilians, contractors and the families who support them is incredibly important.

NORAD and USNORTHCOM have been actively planning for the flu season. Influenza vaccine for seasonal flu shots have already been made available to military personnel; civilian personnel are highly encouraged to get vaccinated as well. H1N1 vaccine is a separate vaccine and is not yet available; when the H1N1 vaccine does become available, personnel will be notified.

So far, it does not appear that the H1N1 influenza has gotten more severe than when it first appeared in April 2009. This means that it will likely circulate this fall and cause illness much the same as seasonal influenza – most people will have a mild disease with fever, sore throat, and a cough that will last 1-4 days. However, some may experience severe, or even life-threatening, disease.

We all have the responsibility to take measures to protect ourselves, our families and others from infection. At home and day-to-day, personnel can take action to protect against infection. The first defense is the seasonal flu vaccine; frequent hand washing with soap and water and the use of hand sanitizers between washes; coughing or sneezing into your sleeve; maintaining a safe distance from sick people; and getting plenty of rest and exercise are all preventative measures personnel should take. In addition, if sick, personnel should stay home and avoid contact with other people.

The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Surgeon is continually monitoring the situation and ensuring preparations are made in case the flu season is particularly severe this year. Each NORAD and USNORTHCOM Director has been tasked to develop a Directorate Pandemic Influenza Plan.

Armed with a plan and current information, we shall maintain the ability of NORAD and USNORTHCOM to respond as a military force dedicated to defending our skies, defending our homelands and providing support to civil authorities if necessary.

continued...