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Influenza - Important Messages to Providers

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:: Flu Activity  ::  Important 2008-09 Vaccine Messages ::  Report an Outbreak :: Flu Testing :: Flu Activity and Treatment 2007-2008 Annual Influenza Report SAN MATEO COUNTY FLU ACTIVITY REPORTS Check out our flu reports for flu activity, recommendations on testing and treating, and latest updates on seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza.. Week 42 Flu Report, October 12-18 (pdf) Week 43 Flu Report, October 19-25 (pdf) Week 44 Flu Report, October 26-November 1 (pdf) Week 45 Flu Report, November 2-8 (pdf) Week 46 Flu Report, November 9-15 (pdf) If treating patients with severe pneumonia or ARDS: Do NOT forget to rule out viral infections such as influenza, adenoviruses, RSV, and parainfluenza. Be aware of adenovirus 14. Side effects of Oseltamivir back to top Important Messages about the 2008-09 Vaccine   The 2008-09 trivalent vaccine virurs strains are A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like,  A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like, and B/Florida/4/2006-like antigens. Beginning with the 2008-09 influenza season, annual vaccination of all children aged 5-18 years is recommended. Annual vaccination of all children aged 6 months-4 years (59 months) and older children with conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza should continue. Either TIV or LAIV can be used when vaccinating healthy persons aged 2-49 years.  Flu vaccination in Children [PDF]: Children 6 months-8 years should receive 2 doses of vaccine if they have not been vaccinated previously at any time with either LAIV or TIV (doses separated by >4 weeks). All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others should be vaccinated. Healthcare providers should offer influenza vaccine and schedule immunization clinics throughout the influenza season. Health-care administrators should consider the level of vaccination coverage among health-care personnel (HCP) to be one measure of a patient safety quality program and implement policies to encourage HCP vaccination. back to top Report a Respiratory or Suspected Flu Outbreak in Your Facility Call the Health Department at (650) 573-2346 between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. Complete a Confidential Morbidity Report and fax to the Health Department at (650) 573-2919. back to top Laboratory Flu Testing The San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory provides R-mix testing. R-mix testing is highly sensitive and allows for identification of influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and parainfluenza 1-3. Results are generally available within 24-48 hours. Additionally, the Public Health Laboratory provides influenza subtyping. If you wish to have testing performed, please send a nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media (vial with pink solution) to: San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory, Room 113 225 37th Avenue, San Mateo, California 94403 (650) 573-2500 back to top Flu Home Page Avian Influenza Pandemic Influenza Hotlines Seasonal Flu Hotline English & Español: (650) 573-3927 Clinician Hotline English: (650) 573-2346 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 24-hour information line English & Español: (800) CDC-INFO 800-232-4636 Updated: 11/26/08