SFDPH Health Update: Influenza 2014-15 December 5, 2014 Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health Health Update, Influenza, SFDPH 0 Influenza A (H3N2) virus strains are likely to predominate during the 2014-15 influenza season and a “drifted” H3N2 strain (antigenically different from the H3N2 vaccine strain) may be common. CDC advises that vaccination has been found to provide some cross-protection against “drifted” viruses and will also offer protection against the other vaccine viruses such as influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B viruses. In addition, CDC emphasizes the importance of using Oseltamivir and Zanamivir when indicated for treatment and prevention of influenza. Actions Requested of all Clinicians by the SFDPH: REPORT the following cases to SFDPH Disease Control at (415) 554-2830: (a) outbreaks of influenza or undiagnosed influenza-like illness (ILI2) in residents of large group or institutional settings (b) individual lab-confirmed cases of seasonal or novel influenza meeting criteria below under Surveillance and Reporting PRESCRIBE ANTIVIRALS for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza who are hospitalized for severe illness or who are at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Use Oseltamivir or Zanamivir. Treat early and empirically, without relying on lab test results. ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months of age and older and pneumococcal vaccination for those at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. IMPLEMENT INFECTION CONTROL PRECAUTIONS as described on page 3 of the full SFDPH Health Update. Note: • ALL PERSONS with fever & cough should wear a face mask in all health care settings. • ALL PERSONS with ILI 2 should be instructed to stay at home until 24 hours after fever resolves, except patients who require medical evaluation and care. Click here to view the SFDPH Health Update issued on December 3, 2014. Health Care Workers: September 9, 2014, health order mandates all hospitals, skilled nursing, and other long term care facilities in the City and County of San Francisco to require their health care workers to receive an annual flu vaccination, of if they decline, wear a mask in patient areas during the influenza season. In addition, California law (Health & Safety Code §1288.7/Cal OSHA §5199) requires either flu vaccination or the signing of a declination form for all acute care hospital workers and most health care personnel including clinic and office-based staff. Comments are closed.
