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By Jennifer Garvin

As part of its outreach effort on the ongoing outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus infection (swine flu), the ADA has created a dental specific fact page for dentists and dental team members.

Visit www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/swine_flu_faq.asp for up-to-date-information, including the most frequently asked questions about H1N1.

The ADA also has a topic page at www.ada.org/goto/h1n1.

In addition to answering questions relating to patients who have flu-like symptoms, the page also contains links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention new guidelines for infection control in dental settings at www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new tips for health providers in preparing for a pandemic.

OSHA's Frequently Asked Questions on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers contains general information about OSHA's Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (OSHA Publication 3328) and may be accessed at www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/pandemicflu/index.html .

Dentists seeking additional information concerning conditions by locality 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 7, there were 896 cases in 41 states 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.

Dentists may also call the ADA Division of Dental Practice at the toll-free number, Ext. 2622.

To follow the latest updates from the CDC, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm .