• Swine Flu Update: What to Expect from Doctors & Public Health Professionals

• Swine Flu Update: What to Expect from Doctors & Public Health Professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 1600; Clifton Rd; Atlanta, GA 30333; 800-CDC-INFO; (800-232-4636); TTY: (888) 232-6348

• cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Doctors
Clinicians should consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness.If swine flu is suspected, clinicians should obtain a respiratory swab for swine influenza testing and place it in a refrigerator (not a freezer). Once collected, the clinician should contact their state or local health department to facilitate transport and timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory.

State Public Health Laboratories
Laboratories should send all unsubtypable influenza A specimens as soon as possible to the Viral Surveillance and Diagnostic Branch of the CDC’s Influenza Division for further diagnostic testing.

Public Health /Animal Health Officials
Officials should conduct thorough case and contact investigations to determine the source of the swine influenza virus, extent of community illness and the need for timely control measures.

Guidance Documents
• Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home Apr 25, 2009

• Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Close Contacts Apr 25, 2009

• Interim CDC Guidance for Nonpharmaceutical Community Mitigation in Response to Human Infections with Swine Influenza (H1N1) Virus Apr 26, 2009, 11:45 PM ET

• Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission Has Been Detected Apr 26, 2009