Health
Update
NEW AND UPDATED INTERIM CDC GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ON H1N1 FLU
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues its response to the novel H1N1 Flu outbreak. As of May 6, 642 human infections
with novel H1N1 flu have been confirmed in 41 states in the United States. As testing continues in many other states, more cases and more
states are expected to be added. There have been two confirmed deaths in the US associated with the H1N1 virus to date.
CDC's goals continue to be to reduce transmission and illness severity and provide information to assist health care providers,
public health officials and the public. To this end, CDC continues to develop and update interim guidance documents.
New Postings:
- This is a one-page flyer discussing and illustrating proper hand washing practice and proper use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
- There are no new recommendations in this document. It is a general educational piece regarding how, when, and why to maintain good
hand hygiene.
- This is an audio recording and 36-page transcript of the May 1 conference call.
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Recommendations are as of May 1 and may be superseded by more recent information posted online. Topics discussed include
recommendations for pregnant women, recommendations regarding children with special health care needs, considerations for breast
feeding mothers and infants and what is known about infant feeding decisions relating to treatment and prophylaxis (including
discussion of control of transmission from infected mother/nursing mother to newborn child), childcare institution issues, and
discussion of use of rapid influenza testing.
- This document summarizes recommendations for protective behavior relative to Novel H1N1 influenza virus for individuals with HIV
infection.
- Recommendations include: symptom recognition, treatment recommendations, self-protective recommendations, recommended adherence to
currently taken medications prescribed for HIV infection, chemoprophylaxis advice for HIV+ close contacts of individuals with H1N1
infection, and notation that HIV+ individuals do not appear to be at elevated risk of H1N1 infection although they may be susceptible to
greater complications if infected.
- This document summarizes symptoms and recommended preventive behaviors for the general public.
- Recommendations include: contact avoidance, treatment options for the seriously ill, and how to recognize symptoms.
- This document provides updated interim guidance for schools and childcare facilities regarding the prevention of the spread of novel
influenza A (H1N1) virus.
- Recommendations include: to reduce spread of influenza in schools, focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying
home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. Decisions about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities
based on local considerations, including public concern and the impact of school absenteeism and staffing shortages.
Updated Information:
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This document has changed to reflect the new name for the illness.
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These PSAs have been updated to reflect the new name for the illness.
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This document has changed as more ill persons have been identified and more epidemiologic and clinical information has been
gathered. CDC recommends that testing be prioritized for those with severe respiratory illness and those at highest risk of
complications from influenza, as reflected in this document.
Additional documents for health care providers, public health officials and the public are available on www.cdc.gov. Information for the public is posted daily in both English and Spanish. Also, CDC’s
toll-free hotline, 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, is available 24 hours a day, every day.
Categories of Health Alert messages:
- Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
- Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
- Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
NOTE: This page is for informational purposes only and dated material (e.g. temporary websites) may not be available.