Seasonal Flu: Medical Provider Information

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It can cause mild to very severe illness, and at times can lead to death.  Influenza circulates through our communities yearly, and we have come to call its regular appearance “seasonal flu”.

News

• New  Nationwide Shortage of Tuberculin Skin Test Antigens--From the CDC, 04/12/13.

• Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H7N9) Viruses in China.

• Recommendations for Drug Allocation, Tuberculosis Prevention, and Patient Care During Isoniazid Shortages

• CDC Recommendations for Influenza Antiviral Medications Remain Unchanged

Useful Links

• Flu Vaccination Guide for Healthcare Workers
• Preventing Seasonal Flu in Healthcare Settings
• Flu Vaccine Identification Guide
• Flu Vaccine Dosing Chart for Children
• Key facts about Seasonal Flu 
• People at High Risk from the Flu
• Antiviral Drug Information 
• Infection Control in Acute-Care Settings
• Preventing and Controlling the Flu in Long-Term Care Setttings
• Laboratory Testing and Reporting of H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza
• Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Instructions
• Reporting of Influenza for the 2011-12 Season.  Health Alert Update for Local Health Jurisdictions--No new updates yet for 2012-2013