What is H1N1 (Swine) Influenza?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
On Sept. 8, 2009 the CDC answered questions on their newly released revised antiviral guidance* for treatment of H1N1 influenza. Most individuals who are infected do not need to be tested or receive antiviral medicines, such as Tamiflu® and Relenza®. This is to prevent overuse and potential antiviral resistance.
For up-to-date information about H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site*
H1N1 Vaccine Information Statement (.pdf)
Contact the Virginia Department of Health with your questions about H1N1* or call 1-877-275-8343.
Virginia Beach Health Department H1N1 information*
Sentara Flu Update*
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Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
On Sept. 8, 2009 the CDC released revised antiviral guidance* for treatment of H1N1 influenza to prevent overuse and potential antiviral resistance of antiviral supplies, and to prioritize treatment.
Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions. Most patients who have had 2009 H1N1 virus infection have had a self-limited respiratory illness similar to typical seasonal influenza. Persons with suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza or seasonal influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness generally do not require treatment. However, some groups appear to be at increased risk of influenza-related complications. Local public health authorities might provide additional guidance about prioritizing treatment within groups at higher risk for severe infection.
- Treatment is recommended for all hospitalized patients with confirmed, probable or suspected 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza.
- Treatment generally is recommended for patients who are at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
- Treatment should be initiated empirically when the decision is made to treat patients who have illnesses that are clinically compatible with influenza. Treatment should not await laboratory confirmation because laboratory testing can sometimes delay treatment and because a negative rapid test does not rule out influenza. (See “Evaluation of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests for Detection of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus --- United States, 2009”* for more information about the sensitivity of rapid tests.)
Latest Flu Guidelines -- October 13, 2009 (.pdf)
Flu Guidelines -- September 15, 2009 (.pdf)
Seasonal Flu Vaccine and H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Myths vs. Facts --.pdf
Update from Virginia State Health Commissioner -- Nov. 6, 2009 (.pdf)
Virginia healthcare provider information from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health*
Tracking Map of Flu in Virginia*
View CDC Recommendations for healthcare providers*
Area Hospitals Return to Normal Visiting Policy -- March 8, 2010 (.pdf)
Area Hospitals Maintain Collective Visiting Policy for Children as Precaution Against Spread of Flu -- January 28, 2010 (.pdf)
Southside Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change* -- October 14, 2009
Richmond Area Hospitals Announce Visiting Policy Change -- October 2009 (.pdf)
Free H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics in Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts (.pdf)
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Pediatric H1N1 Vaccine is Voluntarily Recalled
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a non safety recall of selected batches of pediatric H1N1 vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur.
The affected pediatric H1N1 vaccine for children age 6 months to 35-months is being voluntarily recalled because its strength is just below acceptable limits.
Parents are reminded this is not a safety recall and no action is necessary.
Children who received vaccine from these batches do not need to be revaccinated.
Parents are reminded to ensure that their children (6 months through 9 years) follow the recommended guidelines to receive the second dose of H1N1 vaccine spaced at least 28 days from the first dose.
Some of the affected vaccine had been administered prior to the recall at the following Sentara Medical Group Pediatric practices.
Gloucester Pediatrics
5659 Parkway Drive, Suite 230
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: (804) 210-1055
Fax: (804) 210-1059
Atlantic Pediatric Specialists
1080 First Colonial Road, Suite 412
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 395-6500
Fax: (757) 481-1197
Nimmo Pediatrics
2301 General Booth Blvd.
Suite B
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 963-5500
Fax: (757) 963-5501
Pediatrics at Princess Anne
1950 Glen Mitchell Drive, Suite 304
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 507-0255
Fax: (757) 275-9880
Pediatrics at the Beach
1800 Camelot Drive, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 491-7337
Fax: (757) 491-2233
Virginia Beach Pedictric Center
933 First Colonial Road, Suite 112
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 226-7300
Fax: (757) 226-7304
Williamsburg Pediatric, Adolescent and Sports Medicine
4374 New Town Avenue, Ste 202
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 253-5757
Fax: (757) 510-9063
The VDH Inquiry Center is available at 1-ASK-VDH3 weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm to help answer any questions about this and other H1N1-related matters.
Have questions? View the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions about this recall (.pdf).
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Fraudulent Emails Warning on CDC H1N1 Vaccine
Norfolk, Virginia - December 3, 2009 — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of fraudulent emails (phishing) referencing a CDC sponsored state vaccination program, requiring users to create a personal H1N1 vaccination profile.
The email is a hoax, and the CDC has NOT implemented a state vaccination program requiring registration on www.cdc.gov*.
Optima Health Plan learned of the hoax first hand when staff members reported receiving the emails through their work email accounts.
Replying to the email could result in sharing personal information that may put participants at risk of identity theft or downloading a harmful virus to their computer.
For more information from the CDC about the hoax, go to www.cdc.gov/hoaxes_rumors.html*.
The CDC reminds users to take the following steps to reduce the risk of being a victim of a phishing attack:
- Do not follow unsolicited links and do not open or respond to unsolicited email messages.
- Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
- Use caution when entering personal information online.
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H1N1 Pregnancy Guidelines
The Women’s Health Clinical Effectiveness Council is a partnership between Sentara and Eastern Virginia Medical School Maternal Fetal Medicine experts to promote best practices across Sentara in women’s and infant’s health matters. With a focus on patient safety, the following guidelines are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the 2009-2010 flu season.
These tools prepared by the Women's Health Clinical Effective Council are focused on the care and treatment of pregnant women during this flu season. The goal is to minimize the spread of 2009 H1N1 and prevent mortality of women and infant patients exposed to or infected with the disease.
OB Right News September 14, 2009 (.pdf)
OB Right News September 21, 2009 (.pdf)
OB Right News September 28, 2009 (.pdf)
OB Right News October 5, 2009 (.pdf)
H1N1 Patient Triage Sheet (.pdf)
H1N1 Pregnant Patient Handout (.pdf)
H1N1 Pregnant Job Aid (.pdf)
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What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
CDC recommends 3 Action Steps to protect against the flu (.pdf)
Visit the FDA US Food and Drug Administration site for information on preventing seasonal flu*
Resources for Pregnant Women*
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¿Necesita Información Sobre la Gripe Porcina en Español? (Information About Swine Flu in Spanish)
Los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades ha publicado información sobre la gripe porcina en español en su sitio Web.
Acceder a la información del CDC sobre la gripe porcina en español*
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* These links will take you to an external Web site not owned or operated by Optima Health.