Swine Flu Issues
Important points:
1. The 2008-09 influenza vaccine does not offer protection against swine flu. Because this strain was only recently identified, it may take up to 6 months before a vaccine is available for wide distribution.
2. Good handwashing and not sharing eating utensils and towels are the most effective measures to prevent spread of influenza and other common respiratory viruses.
3. At this time it appears that the swine flu is responsive to the antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza. The recommendations for using these medications are the same as for other types of influenza: start once daily for 10 days in the event of a documented influenza A positive close contact at home, work or school; twice daily for 5 days in the event of influenza symptoms.
4. Until we hear differently from the Dallas County Health Department, suspected cases of influenza should be brought in for rapid flu testing. Influenza A positive cases should have a separate swab sent in a viral isolator tube to the Health Department for typing.