Download questions about influenza diagnosis and treatment

QUESTIONS ABOUT INFLUENZA DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Who should be getting antiviral medications for Influenza? (H1N1/Swine or
seasonal flu)?
-As per CDC recommendations, whether to treat or prevent influenza with antiviral medication is
based on the clinical judgment of the provider and is an individual decision for each patient.
-Most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with influenza, or persons who appear to
be recovering from influenza, do not need antiviral medications for treatment or prophylaxis.
-What symptoms do I need to have to be considered a possible flu case (Influenza-Like Illness)?
Fever greater than 100.0 AND either cough or sore throat
-Treatment with antiviral medications should ONLY be considered for these patients who are
higher risk of influenza complications:
-Children younger than 2 years old
-Persons aged 65 years or older
-Pregnant women
-Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions: COPD, Asthma,
Cardiovascular disease (not HTN), Kidney/Liver/Blood/Repiratory disorders,
Diabetes, Immunosupression, or chronic aspirin therapy (<19 y/o only)
-Post exposure antiviral medications should only be considered for persons who are at higher risk
for complications of influenza and are a close contact of a person with confirmed,
probable, or suspected 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza during that person’s
infectious period.
-Antiviral agents should not be used for post exposure chemoprophylaxis in healthy children or
adults based on potential exposures in the community, school, camp or other
settings.
-Preventive antiviral treatment is not recommended if more than 48 hours have elapsed since the
last contact with an infectious person.
-Early treatment is an alternative to preventive antiviral therapy after a suspected exposure.
Information on Flu testing in the office
Does Southside provide testing for H1N1 (swine flu) or seasonal influenza?
YES. As a sentinel provider by the DE Department of Health, Southside has the ability to take
nasopharyngeal swabs to test for the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Specimens are processed by the
state laboratory or Labcorp and results are typically available in 48-72 hrs.
Should I be tested for the flu?
-Most patients with clinical illness consistent with uncomplicated influenza who reside in an area
where influenza viruses are circulating do not require diagnostic influenza testing.
-For most patients, diagnosis and antiviral treatment decisions can be made based on clinician
judgment alone.
- Certain patients who are at increased risk of influenza related complications may be tested to
assist treatment decisions. Testing may also be used to assess risk to close contacts. The
decision of whether to test is based on the clinical judgment of each provider and is an individual
decision for each patient.
INFORMATION ON THE H1N1 (SWINE FLU) VACCINE
-SHOULD I GET THE VACCINE?
The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
Pregnant women
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of
medical complications from influenza:
-COPD, Asthma, Cardiovascular disease (not HTN), Kidney/Liver/Blood/Respiratory
disorders, Diabetes, Immunosupression, HIV, Persons younger than 19 who are receiving
chronic aspirin therapy
-WHERE CAN I GET THE VACCINE?
Doctor’s Offices (Pediatricians and obstetricians will receive the first vaccines)
-Southside will be receiving vaccines but as of yet we do not know when or how
many vaccines we will be receiving. We will update our website
(Doverdocs.com) and do our best to keep patients informed when we receive
more information.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (Delmarva Rural Ministries, Westside Family Healthcare,
Henrietta Johnson Medical Center, and La Red Medical Center) for their patients.
Public (including Charter) Schools (for students only). Beginning in early November, the
vaccine will be provided to elementary, middle and high school students. Vaccination
is voluntary and parents /guardians must grant written permission. Parents will receive
a letter showing date vaccinations will be offered at school. Children under age 10 will
require two vaccinations, approximately one month apart.
Private Schools with health centers
Colleges and Universities (They are expected to receive vaccine in late October or early
November)
Pharmacies- No information is yet available on which pharmacies will participate and when
Health Care Facilities (Hospitals and Nursing Homes) for employees and patients only.
Dover Air Force Base (for military dependents)
Some large employers (for employees only)