Health Update
UPDATE ON INFLUENZA IN DELAWARE AND SUPPLY OF INFLUENZA VACCINE

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is transmitting a Health Update regarding the availability of influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 season.

The following information about influenza in Delaware is current as of October 5, 2004:

• No cases of confirmed influenza have been reported to DPH this influenza season.
• Hospitals report weekly the occurrence of influenza like illness (ILI) to DPH. There have been no reports of ILI to DPH this season. ILI is defined as elevated temperate (>100 degrees F) and upper respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough or sore throat).
• DPH also maintains a syndromic surveillance system in which hospitals report the number of emergency room patients treated for general respiratory systems, including ILI. Reports collected by this surveillance system show that there is no current influenza activity in Delaware.
• DPH has approximately 3400 does of influenza vaccine. All of these doses are designated for children eligible for the Vaccine for Children program.

Delaware’s Division of Public Health is working with vaccine manufacturers, the Centers for Disease Control, the Medical Society of Delaware and others to assess the status of the current flu vaccine supply in Delaware. While some flu vaccine supplies have already been distributed to doctors, clinics, health departments and other providers, a large proportion of available vaccine has not yet been shipped by the manufacturer.

Prevention

Hygiene

Good respiratory hygiene should be encouraged, including cleaning of hands and staying at home when symptomatic with fever and respiratory illness.

Medication

Antiviral medications with specific activity against influenza A viruses should be considered either for treatment or chemoprophylaxis for influenza A, especially in persons at high risk for complications from influenza.