Novel Influenza A (H1N1)/2009
 (Swine Flu)

PDF Version of DQA 09-018 (PDF, 52 KB)

Novel Influenza A (H1N1)/2009 (Swine Flu)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that novel influenza A (H1N1)/2009, originally referred to as "swine flu," is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. Novel influenza A was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. The number of confirmed cases in the United States continues to rise. This virus is spreading from person to person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Currently, there is no vaccine available to protect humans against this virus. The H1N1 flu virus strain causing the current outbreak is very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for this past season's flu most likely do not provide protection from this H1N1 flu virus.

Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder, make the individual feel better faster and may also prevent serious influenza complications. In treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started as soon after getting sick as possible. Antiviral medication is recommended for those with severe illness, or those with illness who are at high risk for complications from influenza.

Influenza antiviral drugs can also be used to prevent influenza when given to a person who is at high risk for complications from influenza, is not ill, but who has been in close contact with a person with H1N1 influenza. Antiviral medication can also be used to prevent influenza in healthcare workers who have been exposed to a person with known influenza.

Because of H1N1's newness and potential for harm, several healthcare organizations have developed resources and guidelines to bring necessary information to healthcare providers, healthcare workers and citizens of Wisconsin. Below, are some of the most current and valuable sources of information along with a partial list of the information they provide:

1. The Wisconsin Division of Public Health distributes a guide for management of respiratory disease outbreaks in facilities each fall. This guide emphasizes the need for quick testing and treatment when outbreaks occur. This same guide will apply for outbreaks of any novel influenza, with additional guidance as necessary from DPH.
   
   
2. The Wisconsin Division of Public Health developed the following interim infection control guidelines for managing cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus infections based on current information from the CDC:

• Infection Control Guidelines for Management of Patients with Influenza A (H1N1) Infections in Health Care Settings, Wisconsin Division of Public Health (May 2, 2009) http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=16563&locid=106

3. Wisconsin's flu resource web page is called "pandemic.wisconsin.gov", and contains daily/weekly updates regarding the influenza situation in Wisconsin and its counties; guidelines, frequently asked questions and webcasts, as well as other topics of interest to healthcare providers and citizens of Wisconsin. It also provides the telephone number that can be called for additional information: 2-1-1. http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/
   
   
4. Influenza A. Many topics are covered; some of those which will be of interest to you are:

• Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Their Close Contacts May 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
  This guidance specifically discusses treatment recommendations in affected facilities.
• Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting, April 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm
  This guidance includes specific advice for facilities on infection control and influenza patients.
• Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for Management of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Infection, April 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_ems.htm 
• Infection Control in Outpatient Hemodialysis Centers, May 8, 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/hemodialysis_centers.htm
• Psychological Support for Essential Workers During a Pandemic, April 2009
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/Supplement_11-4-29-09.pdf

Home page: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

5. The U.S. Department of Health and Human services has established a web page devoted to current information about influenza outbreaks and includes guidelines, Q&As, the latest news on the issue, hotlines, the HHS Pandemic Plan, CDC Press Briefings, and planning checklists.

• Hospital Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/hospitalchecklist.pdf
• Home Health Care Services Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/healthcare.html
• Emergency Medical Services and Non-Emergent (Medical) Transport Organizations Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/emgncymedical.html
• Long-Term Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/longtermcarechecklist.html
• Medical Offices and Clinics Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/medical.html
• Law Enforcement Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/lawenforcement.html
• Other

Home page: PandemicFlu.Gov http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html

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