2009 H1N1 Influenza Update, Douglas County Health Department, Omaha, Nebraska

Latest 2009 H1N1 influenza update from the Douglas County Health Dept., Omaha, Nebraska

Influenza-like illness and positive tests for influenza A have markedly increased in the last two weeks in Douglas County. Many schools across the county are reporting high numbers of children absent due to illness. Influenza A, 2009 H1N1 is currently the dominant circulating strain.

Intensive planning for distribution of H1N1 vaccine has been taking place. Douglas County Health Dept. has been working with many community partners, with the goal of providing multiple and varied venues for vaccination, including hospitals, health care providers, community vaccine providers (i.e.
pharmacies, grocery stores), large businesses, colleges, public clinics located at schools, and possibly other locations.

All information points to enough vaccine for everyone who wants it, but it will not come all at once. The first shipments, which will probably number less than 100,000 doses, are expected in mid October and will be initially recommended for target groups. Once the target groups have had an opportunity to get vaccinated, vaccination will be opened up to other groups. Shipments will continue as vaccine manufacturers are able to produce it, probably on a weekly basis.

Some key points of information

* Patients with flu-like illness who are otherwise healthy probably
don't need to be seen nor given antivirals. They need to stay home until
they are afebrile for 24 hours without the use of antipyretics.

* Persons who have had influenza-like illness without a confirmatory
test will likely be advised that they still need to get vaccinated for
H1N1. We do not recommend testing for this purpose.

* CDC continues to recommend that healthcare workers with flu-like
illness stay home 7 days after onset of symptoms.


Please see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for the most up-to-date
information from CDC. The Douglas County Health Department website
http://www.douglascountyhealth.com/ also has information.
http://flu.gov/ also has many resources for planning and patient education.