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fall 2009 |
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c l i n i c a l p r a c t i c e
Eastern Health H1N1
update
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Submitted Photo |
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Eastern Health supports community
and institution-based physicians as we work together to manage the current
pandemic H1N1 outbreak. Physicians outside of the Eastern Health region
should contact the local Regional Health Authority for information specific
to your region.
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Submitted Article |
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Eastern Health supports community and institution-based
physicians as we work together to manage the current pandemic H1N1 outbreak.
As the influenza outbreak is widespread, diagnosis of
H1N1 is primarily based on clinical symptoms. Once the type of influenza that is
prevalent in a community is known, confirmatory testing is no longer necessary.
At this time nasopharyngeal swabbing is indicated
only where there is severe illness or when illness is present in closed communities
such as nursing homes. Physicians will be informed if recommendations change.
Testing, if indicated, should be completed at the
physician’s office.
Supplies for nasopharyngeal sampling are available through the public health labs as usual and
directions for sampling can be found at www.easternhealth.ca.
To decrease the risk of spreading H1N1 to non-infected persons
please do not send your patient
to the Laboratory or the Emergency Room for testing.
Treatment
Treatment for influenza is largely supportive. Current
Canadian recommendations include anti-viral treatment for those with severe disease
or those with moderate illness who are at risk for complications.
Anti-virals are available through the normal prescription
process if indicated. A provincial stockpile of anti-virals has been distributed
throughout the province and will be released for pandemic use when required.
Immunization
The government has purchased sufficient vaccine for
the province. Mass immunizations are planned, delivered through Public Health Services.
Priority groups will be identified for the effective and orderly administration of the vaccine.
Seasonal influenza vaccine should be available early
fall using normal processes. Physicians are encouraged to advise individuals to
get seasonal influenza vaccine if indicated. Patients at added risk for disease
should also be offered pneumococcal vaccine.
Personal Protection
In a pandemic situation physicians may be engaged
in higher risk procedures, requiring special precautions including N95 masks.
These masks require fit testing.
To ensure you have adequate protection, Eastern
Health is providing fit testing of N95 masks. Physicians in the Eastern Health
region can contact Michelle Isaacs at (709) 777-1615 to arrange to be fit tested for a
mask.
Physicians are asked to encourage patients to practice
proper infection control procedures (clean, cover, contain). Posters and material
for patients are available at
www.gov.nl.ca.
H1N1 Sources of Information
As recommendations and guidelines evolve, the internet
provides the quickest access to timely information. The following sites have the
most current recommendations:
The Public Health Agency has developed a short course
for frontline clinicians related to Infectious Disease Outbreaks:
www.publichealth.gc.ca/outbreaks-course
For physicians outside of the Eastern Health region,
please contact your local Regional Health Authority for information specific to your region.
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