Swine flu resources

Governor Schwarzenegger today declared a state of emergency in California to deal with swine flu.  As a practical matter, this will allow state agencies greater flexibility in dealing with the outbreak, particularly in regards to contracting for materials or services.  For example, California has just been approved by the CDC to administer the lab test to confirm suspected swine flu cultures. 

The DPH has compiled a list of useful links for health care providers to deal with swine flu which are available below and here: www.cdph.ca.gov/HEALTHINFO/DISCOND/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx.

Information for Health Professionals

• Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting
• Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Close Contacts
• Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection and Processing for Patients with Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection
• Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Instructions - April 27, 2009 (PDF)
• Interim Guidance—Pregnant Women and Swine Influenza: Considerations for Clinicians
• CDC Clinician Outreach Swine Flu Updates

For doctors or patients who would like to contact their local health department for more information, you can find the relevant contact information here: www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/CaliforniaLocalHealthDepartments.aspx.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has also declared a public emergency on the issue, which allows them to manage the allocation and distribution of medicine, like Tami-Flu. Public officials at the state and federal level continue to caution that these are preparatory steps in case the flu outbreak becomes more severe.