Swine Flu Update

VHCA (5/1/2009)

The Centers for Disease Control & Provention (CDC) continues to report increases in the number of cases of confirmed H1N1 swine flu and the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert to a Phase 5, which generally signals concerns that a pandemic is imminent. The CDC continues to post new or revised interim guidance on its website.  Click here for a memo providing more detailed information.

Schools are closing temporarily in some areas where swine flu is confirmed, which can result in a serious staffing problem for facilities as parents stay home from work.  The strategic national stockpile of antivirals and other materials are being deployed.  According to the Washington Post, Virginia is one of 15 states that has stockpiled more doses than called for in the federal guidelines. Click here for a memo from the Virginia Department of Health provides more thorough information. 

Members should be aware of a correction to the Swine Flu Health Alert letter recently sent from the State Health Commissioner.  The toll-free phone number for contacting your local health department is 866.531.3068.

AHCA/NCAL has developed a swine flu resources page on its website. Please continue to review this site, which includes real time updates, for the latest developments. For the most up-to-date information on the number of Swine Flu cases and where they are, please visit the CDC’s website.  The CDC has also developed a Long-Term Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist. 

For more information about influenza pandemics and their impact on long term care providers, please view the Provider article Pandemic Preparedness, Plugging into Community Networks.  AHCA is working with state affiliates including VHCA to make additional resources available for member facilities.  We will pass along significant updates as they become available.