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Healthcare Provider Information |
Influenza (Flu) Information
H1N1
Address:
Garrett Co. Health Dept.
1025 Memorial Drive
Oakland, MD 21550
Main Phone:
301-334-7777
or 301-895-3111
FAX: 301-334-7701
See department pages for individual phone numbers
E-Mail Webmaster
Notes: August 2009- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Previous Notes
Maryland Cancer Program to Change Billing Instructions:
The state D& T (Diagnosis & Treatment of Breast Cancer) program will be soon changing contracts and billing instructions for FY10. This applies to women 40-64 years of age, who previously applied to the state for this coverage, usually with help from GCHD staff. We are not yet sure of the details, but it includes the local health department becoming responsible for the contracts and the processing of some, or all, of the bills. This program pays for diagnostic mammography, colposcopy, and surgical and medical treatments for low-income patients with breast or cervical cancer, following the state's Minimal Clinical Guidelines. Watch for further information which we will send to you as we receive it.
No cases have been positively identified since March, 2009 in Garrett County.
Production of vaccine for the 2009-2010 season for Seasonal Influenza, both injectable and nasal spray, has been completed and availability is expected late in August. The Garrett County Health Department will have clinics during school in each of the elementary schools beginning Sept. 17. This will be our third year going directly to these schools. Community Clinics for Seasonal Influenza will start Oct. 2. Followup clinics to administer second doses where recommended will be scheduled approximately four weeks later.
Incidence: Quick spread internationally, with persistent occurrence in the Northern Hemisphere through the summer months. In the Southern Hemisphere it has been mixed with Seasonal Influenza, but predominates in most countries. It has not yet been confirmed a Garrett County resident.
Nationally now reported in 47 states and territories, with 5,514 hospitalizations and 353 deaths. Maryland has had 4 deaths.
Internationally, now reported in 6168 countries, with 162,380 cases and 1154 deaths.
Surveillance: We will continue to request that severe cases of influenza-like illness and pneumonia be tested for influenza at GCMH, with any cases positive for type A sent to the state for further characterization. The rapid test used at our laboratory is not as accurate as the state testing, but will alert us to the arrival of the new virus in our county. Such cases will also receive epidemiologic investigation by the health department.
Pathogenicity: Clearly the disease has not been as severe as first feared, but that has been one of the lessons of this outbreak so far. In the earliest stages of a pandemic, when development of an accurate test of infection is underway, it is difficult to identify how many cases, severe, mild, and sub-clinical, are occurring and what the pathogenicity index might be.
Communicability: It seems now to be the same as seasonal flu. The effectiveness of school closing in slowing spread has not been established, but may become necessary if absenteeism of staff or students becomes too great. The amount of time that persons with influenza-like illness should be away from others has been reduced to 24 hours fever-free (<100) without anti-fever medications.
Treatment: Laboratory tests have shown sensitivity of the new virus to Tamiflu and Relenza, but resistance or ineffectiveness with amantadine and rimantadine. Treatment has not usually been necessary except in high risk cases as noted below.
What to Expect Next?: The national and local plan is to give the Seasonal Influenza vaccine first, then be prepared to administer the H1N1 vaccine in October-December if it is:
- Safe
- Effective
- Available
Recommended, based on the severity of disease that is being experienced
- Vaccine Priority Groups:
- Pregnant Women
- Household contacts of children under 6 months of age
- Direct care Health care providers and Emergency Medical Services personnel
- All persons 6 months to 24 years of age
- Adults under 65 years of age with underlying medical conditions which place them at risk of complications from the flu
Who will give vaccine, and how will they be compensated?
To be determined
Best Internet resources for Current Influenza information:
Regular Reports: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -Previous Reports
Infection Reports:
GCMH updated June 2009
WMHS June 2009 Clinical Newsletter: The Influenza Pandemic: What will it be?
References:
Advanced Directives/Living Wills
Quick Guideto Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Four Simple Things You Can Do to Protect You and Your family
GCMH Antibiogram, July 2006-June 2007
GCMH Antibiogram, July-December, 2007
Immunization Schedules and State Regulations
Maryland Lead Follow-Up Recommendations
