Information for Health Care Providers

Reviewed and updated by the health officers for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Clinicians are welcome to suggest topics for this page. Send comments and questions to tri.county.health.officer@co.multnomah.or.us.

On this page:

Situation Summary
Disease Description
Vaccination
Clinical Guidelines
Patient Messages
EMS Guidelines

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Situation Summary

Updated February 4, 2010

At this time, the novel H1N1 influenza strain appears to be effectively the only strain causing influenza-like illness. In Oregon, H1N1 influenza is currently circulating but hospitalizations are below the epidemic threshold.

Current Flu Activity
Situation statistics, including virologic surveillance data.
National Update (CDC)
Oregon Update (Oregon Department of Human Services, updated weekly)

Health Officer Webinar - Monday, Nov. 23
View Dr. Paul Lewis' recorded update on the pandemic status and vaccination efforts. View presentation»

Disease Description

Updated October 29, 2009

Symptoms
The most common clinical manifestations are fever and cough or sore throat, but affected patients may also have chills, headache, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath, myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.

Transmission
The novel H1N1 influenza A virus is thought to be transmitted in a manner similar to seasonal influenza: through large particle respiratory droplet transmission, though contact transmission may play a role as well.

Incubation Period
Estimated to be 1-4 days.

Potential Complications
Potential complications of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal influenza; pregnant women, young children, and people with lung diseases appear to be at higher risk of complications, including viral pneumonia and hospitalization. Young people without underlying medical conditions have also been affected more severely than in a usual influenza season.

Vaccination

Updated February 4, 2010

The H1N1 vaccine is readily available for all individuals age 6 months and older.

Vaccine Registration

Multnomah County Health Department has been registering clinics within Multnomah County who plan to administer the H1N1 vaccine to patients and/or staff. If you want to be a vaccine provider and have not yet registered, please register now»

High-Risk Groups

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for high-risk vaccination groups remain the same:

pregnant women
persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g. parents, siblings and daycare providers)
healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
persons aged 6 months to 24 years
persons aged 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications (see ACIP recommendations).

More Information
ACIP recommendations
Preliminary results of clinical trials
FDA approval of H1N1 vaccines

CDC Information
Top 10 FAQs for Immunization Programs and Providers
General Vaccine Information - Patient FAQs
Planning Guide for Vaccinating Pediatric Patients

Clinical Guidelines

Updated October 29, 2009

Regional Guidelines
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Updated Oct 21, 2009
Infection Control | Updated Sept 23, 2009
Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection Instructions (video)
Testing and Treatment Algorithm| Updated Oct 21, 2009

CDC Recommendations
Use of Antiviral Medications
Use of Antiviral Medications in Pediatric Patients
Antiviral Safety
Triage Algorithm for Adult Patients
Triage Algorithm for Pediatric Patients

Patient Messages

Provide patients with electronic information about H1N1 using messages and social media tools from the CDC. Includes Web site buttons, podcasts, video, widgets, etc.