CDC: Proposed Influenza Infection Contol Guidance

[indigo girl]

The CDC has published their proposed updated guidance on influenza infection control in the Federal Registry, and will accept written public comments until July 22nd.

Notice: Updated Guidance: Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings

Federal Register: June 22, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 119) Page 35497-35503

AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Notice with comment period.

While there's a lot to absorb here, of particular interest to many HCWs (Health Care Workers) is the proposed guidance on workplace vaccinations, and the use of surgical facemasks vs. N95 respirators.

The issue of mandatory HCW vaccination has been both contentious and controversial.

For decades the assumption has been that surgical masks do not protect the wearer. They are used to protect others from the wearer's germs.

For that reason, N95 respirators have been routinely recommended by the CDC for HCWs in contact with pandemic flu patients.

Despite that recommendation, many healthcare facilities opted to go with the (presumed) less protective surgical masks last year, citing a short supply of N95s and complaints by some HCWs that they are difficult to work in.

More at: CDC: Proposed Influenza Infection Control Guidance

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

So, are we expecting swine flu, regular flu or ? this fall? Any idea?

[indigo girl]

So, are we expecting swine flu, regular flu or ? this fall? Any idea?

Looks like both. Let me see what I can find for you that made me think so.

Our seasonal shots should include swine as well as some of the more familiar strains.

OK, Avian Flu Diary has this report: PAHO Flu Report - Week 23

PAHO Flu Report Week 23

In Paraguay RSV and Parainfluenza viruses dominate, in El Salvador Influenza B is the primary culprit, while in Mexico and Jamaica it is Influenza A that comes up most in laboratory testing.

Among Influenza A sampling, pandemic H1N1 remains the most common strain, although Jamaica and Panama both report fairly high rates of seasonal H1/H3 strains.

Unfortunately the mix of H1 and H3 isn't provided, nor is it completely clear whether non-subtyped A viruses are included in those numbers.

And then there is this:

H5N1: Nicaragua: President Ortega "severely affected" by flu

El presidente de Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, se encuentra «afectado severamente» por el virus de la influenza, lo que le ha obligado a ausentorifice de varias actividades públicas, reveló hoy una fuente oficial.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is "severely affected" by the influenza virus, and has had to absent himself from public activities, an official source said today.

«El presidente está afectado severamente por ese virus», afirmó Morales en alusión al violento brote de gripe H3N2 que ha contagiado a miles de personas en Nicaragua en los últimos días.

"The president is severely affected by this virus," Morales confirmed, alluding to the violent outbreak of H3N2 influenza that has infected thousands of Nicaraguans in recent days.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

So will both be combined in one shot this year? That would make things easier.....

[indigo girl]

So will both be combined in one shot this year? That would make things easier.....

Most likely, but which viruses they will choose to include remains to be seen...I think that 4 should be in there instead of 3.