CDC issues H1N1 flu guidance for health professionals
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Posted May 1, 2009 |
By Jennifer Garvin The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together an information page for health professionals concerned about treating patients with the H1N1 influenza virus infection (swine flu).
The ADA is urging dentists with questions about H1N1 to consult the CDC Web site. There, doctors will find an updated fact sheet as well as information on the flu in health care settings. The CDC has also added a page for infection control in dental settings.
For those health care providers who live in areas with confirmed cases of the disease or who have patients who have recently traveled to Mexico and/or who have had contact with infected persons, the CDC recommends that patients call their health care providers first before attending their appointment. Those dentists seeking additional information concerning conditions in their local areas can get updated information about H1N1 by checking with their state and local health agency Web sites.
H1N1 flu is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus that are spread by exposure to coughing and sneezing from infected persons. As of May 1, 141 cases and one death were confirmed in the United States.
Symptoms include fever greater than 100 degrees, chills, head and body aches, fatigue, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the CDC is reporting resulting cases of pneumonia or respiratory illness.
Until additional, specific information is available regarding the behavior of the H1N1 flu, the Association recommends that clinicians follow the “Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting” which can be found online at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.
In order to keep members apprised of the latest news, the ADA has created an online resource at ADA.org. Visit www.ada.org/goto/h1n1.
Dentists may also call the ADA Division of Dental Practice at the toll-free, Ext. 2622.
To follow the latest updates from the CDC visit, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm.
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