Health Update
NEW AND UPDATED INTERIM CDC GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS ON H1N1 FLU CDC 289

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues its response to the novel H1N1 Flu outbreak. As of May 7, 896 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:

UPDATED  Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Their Close Contacts

• This document provides updated interim guidance on the use of antiviral agents for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of novel influenza (H1N1) virus infection, and information for clinicians in prioritizing use of antivirals for treatment or chemoprophylaxis of patients at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Additional revisions to these interim recommendations for antiviral treatment should be expected as the epidemiology and clinical presentations of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are better understood.
• Recommendations include identification of groups at high risk for complications of novel influenza (H1N1) virus infection; definition of “close contact”; antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis recommendations (including dosing recommendations and contraindications); special considerations for treatment of children; and recommendations for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of children younger than age 1 year (including dosing recommendations) and pregnant women.

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

• This fact sheet is targeted to individuals having or suspecting an influenza-like illness (ILI). It discusses symptom recognition, contact avoidance, treatment options, and emergency warning signs.

Interim CDC Guidance for Colleges, Universities, and Post-secondary Educational Institutions in Response to Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

• These interim recommendations are based on current information and are subject to change based on ongoing surveillance and continuous risk assessment. This document provides interim guidance specific to universities during the outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus on suggested means to reduce the spread of influenza in universities and their communities.
• CDC is not recommending currently that colleges, universities, or post-secondary educational institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings.
• CDC is making the following recommendations: recommendations to consult with state/local public health if cases of H1N1 or ILI occur; recommendations for self-isolation of persons with ILI; recommendations on care-seeking by and care-taking of persons with ILI; recommendations for persons with ILI to avoid large gatherings; recommendations for universities and similar institutions to take in preparing for possible H1N1 outbreaks.

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.

For further information, contact DPH’s Health Information and Epidemiology section at (302) 744-4541.