I recently traveled to San Antonio. Apparently those in San Antonio have come into contact with the Swine Flu. I have little knowledge of what this disease is, however, I do know I have had flu like symptoms and have enjoyed spending time with the elderly and the young, often coughing and sneezing on them while we hang out. I have even prepared large amounts of food for sleep deprived college students everywhere.In all seriousness, I did travel to San Antonio. I heard about this swine flu today, and noticed San Diego was on the list of possible contaminated cities. I have to state the obvious, Shamu is obviously a carrier of said disease. Next thing you know Orlando is going to have cases of the swine flu as well. The common factor? Sea World. I know that others are going to believe that Mexico is the common link, but get serious people. All those dolphins giving rides to tourists in Mexico are Shamu's cousins. It's a world wide Shamu & Flipper conspiracy.
I just hope that the hype over the Swine Flu is not too big and not too little. I don't want to hear about Swine Flu if it's just going to be like the bird flu and disappoint. But I also don't want a sneak attack from the Swine Flu and end up dead because I didn't know enough about it.
Swine Influenza A (H1N1)
On April 17, 2009 the CDC and the California Department of Health identified two human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in San Diego county California. Since then four new cases have been identified in San Diego and Imperial counties and an additional two cases in San Antonio Texas, for a total of eight cases of swine influenza in the US. None of the cases have recent contact with swine and there has been no link established between the cases except for one father and daughter. In addition, the same strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified by CDC from patients who are part of an ongoing outbreak of acute respiratory illness in central Mexico. A number of deaths have been reported from this outbreak.
Genetic characterization of these viruses shows that this is a novel virus not previously seen in swine or humans in the United States. A large proportion of the population might be susceptible to infection with these viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine H1N1 strain is thought to be unlikely to provide protection.
Reporting and Testing Guidelines
Testing for swine infuenza A (H1N1) is recommended for a patient who:
hhas febrile respiratory illness AND
htraveled in the 7 days preceding their illness to:
· San Diego area, OR
· San Antonio area, Texas, OR
· Mexico, OR
hwere in contact with persons with febrile respiratory illness who were in these locations
When suspected cases of swine influenza A H1N1 are identified, the following actions should be taken:
Patients should be placed in single room (if available) and wear a mask if moved to another part of the facility.
Patients should promptly be reported to the state (303-692-2700 / after-hours: 303-370-9395) or local health department.
Specimens should be collected for influenza PCR testing at the state laboratory (regardless of influenza test results obtained by the hospital or clinical facility).
Guidance on Specimen Collection:
obtain a nasopharyngeal swab or nasal wash from the patient
place the swab in a viral transport medium; place the nasal wash in a sterile container
refrigerate the specimen until transport to the state laboratory
Infection Control (for hospitalized patients with suspected swine influenza)
Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset (or symptoms resolved)
Wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room
Use an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure, if available, otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed
For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling
Recommended PPE for personnel providing direct patient care include: disposable gown, gloves, goggles, N95 respirator
Antivral Treatment
Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill cases of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir or zanamivir. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after onset of symptoms.
More Information About Swine Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm
NOTE: this information will be updated as more guidance becomes available from CDC.
On April 17, 2009 the CDC and the California Department of Health identified two human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in San Diego county California. Since then four new cases have been identified in San Diego and Imperial counties and an additional two cases in San Antonio Texas, for a total of eight cases of swine influenza in the US. None of the cases have recent contact with swine and there has been no link established between the cases except for one father and daughter. In addition, the same strain of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified by CDC from patients who are part of an ongoing outbreak of acute respiratory illness in central Mexico. A number of deaths have been reported from this outbreak.
Genetic characterization of these viruses shows that this is a novel virus not previously seen in swine or humans in the United States. A large proportion of the population might be susceptible to infection with these viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine H1N1 strain is thought to be unlikely to provide protection.
Reporting and Testing Guidelines
Testing for swine infuenza A (H1N1) is recommended for a patient who:
hhas febrile respiratory illness AND
htraveled in the 7 days preceding their illness to:
· San Diego area, OR
· San Antonio area, Texas, OR
· Mexico, OR
hwere in contact with persons with febrile respiratory illness who were in these locations
When suspected cases of swine influenza A H1N1 are identified, the following actions should be taken:
Patients should be placed in single room (if available) and wear a mask if moved to another part of the facility.
Patients should promptly be reported to the state (303-692-2700 / after-hours: 303-370-9395) or local health department.
Specimens should be collected for influenza PCR testing at the state laboratory (regardless of influenza test results obtained by the hospital or clinical facility).
Guidance on Specimen Collection:
obtain a nasopharyngeal swab or nasal wash from the patient
place the swab in a viral transport medium; place the nasal wash in a sterile container
refrigerate the specimen until transport to the state laboratory
Infection Control (for hospitalized patients with suspected swine influenza)
Standard, Droplet and Contact precautions for 7 days after illness onset (or symptoms resolved)
Wear N95 respirators when entering the patient room
Use an airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure, if available, otherwise use a single patient room with the door kept closed
For suctioning, bronchoscopy, or intubation, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling
Recommended PPE for personnel providing direct patient care include: disposable gown, gloves, goggles, N95 respirator
Antivral Treatment
Antiviral treatment for confirmed or suspected ill cases of swine influenza virus infection may include either oseltamivir or zanamivir. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after onset of symptoms.
More Information About Swine Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm
NOTE: this information will be updated as more guidance becomes available from CDC.
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