H1N1 Influenza A continues to spread, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today reporting 896 confirmed cases in 41 states and an additional 927 probable cases in 43 states for a total of 1,823 cases of H1N1 Influenza A. There have been 2 deaths reported in the U.S.
For a list of states and the number of confirmed cases, please go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
New Tests Likely to Lead to Rapid Jump in H1N1 Cases
The CDC developed PCR diagnostic test kits, which have been distributed to all states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This will allow states to test for the H1N1 virus. The increased testing capacity likely will result in a rapid jump in the number of confirmed cases in this country once states start doing their own testing.
New Interim Antiviral Guidance
Last night, the CDC issued updated “Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Their Close Contacts.” This updated interim antiviral guidance recommends that hospitalized patients and sick patients who are at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications receive antiviral treatment. (“High risk” includes people who are 65 years and older, and people with chronic medical conditions.)
For prevention (chemoprophylaxis), CDC recommends that clinicians consider use of antivirals in:
- People who are at high risk of serious seasonal flu-related complications and have been in close contact with someone who is ill with H1N1 Influenza A.
- Health care workers, public health workers and emergency responders who have been in close unprotected contact (i.e., no personal protective equipment) with persons who are sick with H1N1.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has produced several fact sheets on H1N1 as follows:
AHCA will continue to provide H1N1 Influenza A updates on an as-needed basis.