SPECIAL H1N1 NOTICE for Pediatric and Family Practice Healthcare Providers

Guidance has been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist pediatric and family practice healthcare providers discuss H1N1 with the caregivers of ill children, and to provide their clients H1N1 antiviral medication.   When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective against susceptible viruses (i.e. viruses that are not resistant to the antiviral medication).  Web links to the new guidance are provided below.

Algorithm for use by physicians and those under their direct supervision to help in discussions and providing advice to parents or other caregivers of ill children regarding seeking medical care for an influenza-like illness. The algorithm can be used regardless of whether or not the child has been vaccinated for influenza:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinicians/pdf/childalgorithm2.pdf

Recommendations for Use of Antiviral Medications for the Management of Influenza in Children and Adolescent for the 2009-2010 Season -- Pediatric Supplement for Health Care Providers: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations_pediatric_supplement.htm

Opening and Mixing Tamiflu® Capsules with Liquids if Child Cannot Swallow Capsules:  http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/antivirals/mixing_tamiflu_qa.htm  

Continue to utilize the following resources to obtain the most current, accurate information regarding H1N1 flu:

• Your local county health department: http://www.floridashealth.com
• The Florida Department of Health's flu information website: http://www.myflusafety.com
• The toll free Florida Flu Information Line, 1-877-352-3581, is available 24/7 for recorded messages in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Operators are available 8am to 8pm eastern standard time.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services influenza website: http://www.flu.gov
• The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
  

Thank you,
Florida Department of Health
H1N1 Information Management Branch