Transcript Document
State of Rhode Island Influenza Update December 2009 Influenza Virus • Spread – Aerosolized droplets from coughing or sneezing up to a 6-foot radius – Hand to face contact (nose, eyes, or mouth) after touching infected areas – Virus infectious only up to 2-3 hrs on surfaces • H1N1 Incubation period – 1 to 7 days (avg 3-4 days) • H1N1 symptom duration – 3 to 7 days but up to 14 days (avg 3-5 days) • H1N1 contagious – 1 day before symptoms to 10 days after symptoms – peak period while febrile Coughing & Sneezing Cause Aerosolized Spread Influenza-Like Illness • Must-have symptoms – Fever plus sore throat or – Fever plus cough • Other symptoms – Shortness of breath – Fatigue – Headache – Muscle & joint aches – Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Main High-Risk Groups for H1N1 Complications • • • • • • Respiratory illnesses (Asthma, COPD) Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Pregnancy Immuno-compromised individuals Cerebral Palsy & Muscular Dystrophy Monitoring the Pandemic • Monitor ILI cases – Severity, hospitalizations & deaths – Track impact on schools & healthcare providers • Monitor the community presence of H1N1 – School absenteeism reported to HEALTH daily – Physician office and university clinics – Emergency room visits and hospitalizations • Revise recommendations – If disease severity changes – Healthcare providers are overwhelmed – As H1N1 pandemic evolves Public Health Strategies • Prevention – Wash hands, cover cough – Use alcohol-based hand gels – Get vaccinated • Communication – Briefings, media, website, information line • Vaccination priorities – Pregnant women and children first – Access to all • Reporting Goal of Prevention HEALTH Report • Seasonal Vaccine: – Last season HEALTH ordered 245,000 doses and administered 230,000 doses – This season we ordered 318,000 doses – Of the 318,000 doses ordered, HEALTH received only 263,000 doses – 33,000 more doses distributed this year – 237,000 doses were injectable – 26,000 doses were nasal spray HEALTH Report • RI received final shipment: 5,000 doses of injectable and 20,000 of the nasal spray • Vaccines are on their way to primary-care doctors to complete their orders • Providers urged to save injectable for those 65 and older • Protection for nursing home patients – Some nursing home patients have been vaccinated – The high uptake of seasonal flu vaccine among healthcare workers will help protect patients HEALTH Report • H1N1 Vaccine: – HEALTH orders weekly – Expect over 500,000 doses by March 2010 • Vaccine plans and uptake – Pregnant and post-partum women 60%+ uptake – Vaccine available for 6 months to 5 years of age – all distributed to providers HEALTH Report • Vaccine plans and uptake – Grades K–12 achieving 75% uptake – 18 through 24 – starting with colleges in December – Healthcare workers & 1st responders starting in December – Adults with chronic illness – starting in January – General public – starting by late January Influenza Vaccine Programs • Work with many local partners including Healthcare Providers, Medical Reserve Corps, Wellness Company, Hospitals, Insurers, RIEMA, local EMAs, Media, Community Agencies, Schools, Colleges/Universities and state agencies • Report weekly to CDC • Reports posted on www.health.ri.gov Main Messages • H1N1 is like seasonal influenza but impacts kids/young adults at higher rates • Follow flu prevention recommendations • Support H1N1 vaccine campaign • Stay at home until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine • Stay home if you are sick • Be flexible and practical • Stay informed by visiting www.health.ri.gov or www.flu.gov Information Resources • HEALTH - www.health.ri.gov -Twitter: RIDEPTOFHEALTH -For general questions 222-8022 RI Relay 711 - 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM - Answered in English and Spanish - Report outbreaks @ 222-2577 RI Relay 711 •Federal Sources - www.flu.gov David R. Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of Health 401-222-2232 RI Relay 711 [email protected] H1N1 Information www.health.ri.gov 401-222-8022 RI Relay 711 www.flu.gov