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Healthcare Provider Information |
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
Alerts: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Previous Alerts
Notes: March 2008 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Previous Notes
Flu Season Hits Hard; Vaccine Misses Target
In summary, excess mortality is increased over the past two years, showing the pattern of three years ago, pediatric hospitalizations and deaths continue at about the rate of the last two years, and office visits for influenza-like illness are twice those of last year. Weekly influenza activity is reported "widespread" nation-wide.
The types of virus encountered this year included many that were not included in the immunizations given this year. A small (4-9%) amount of resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) was detected, but all strains seem to retain sensitivity to zanamivir (Relenza). The lower-cost medications, amantadine and rimantadine have higher levels of resistance and are not recommended.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/?s_cid=ccu030308_seasonal_influenza1_e
Occasional new cases continue to occur in Indonesia with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. In addition, this last month, a few additional cases have been reported from China, Egypt, and Viet Nam.
Dr. Manasse has prepared an excellent summary of the current status of pandemic influenza: "When is 'When' An Avian Flu Pandemic Update" for the Clinical Newsletter of the Western Maryland Health System. click here to view
Breast Cancer Screening: many slots open for grant-eligible women!
Have them call the health department to be checked for their eligibility.
Changes in Medicare D make it possible for a single provider to supply both the vaccine and the administration of the vaccine. This can be a physician, or, in Maryland, a pharmacist. Local pharmacies may gear up to provide this service; the pharmacy chains do not currently plan to do so. An on-line system, e-Dispense, is also available to make the charge to most Medicare D companies, reportedly with an easy registration process, and a rapid payment turn-around time.
Garrett County Medical Society
I attended a dinner meeting of the Allegany County Medical Society last month at which the state Executive Director, Dr. Marty Wasserman, discussed the results of studies of Maryland physician manpower. He and his staff have offered to come to Garrett County and discuss physician manpower issues, how legislative efforts are progressing and what other support services are available to local doctors and local societies from the state organization.
Regular Reports: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -Previous Reports
Infection Reports:
WMHS - updated Feb. 2008, GCMH updated March 2008
WMHS March 2008 Clinical Newsletter: There's A New Kid on the Block: KPC
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
