Guidance for Clinicians
With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring H1N1 a pandemic, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is striving to convey as much guidance and information as possible, keeping in mind that the situation continues to rapidly evolve.
To assist healthcare providers in accessing, utilizing, and disseminating information enabling them to respond to this international public health emergency, specific information and guidance can be accessed in the “Info for Providers” section located in the right-hand portion at http://www.ohiopandemicflu.gov/providers/providers.htm. Additionally, please check this and the following websites regularly for updates:
**“Info for Providers” begins here**
Planning and Response
While planning and response encompass a broad spectrum of actions to be taken in an emergency, in an influenza outbreak or pandemic, healthcare providers must be prepared to manage increased patient volumes, heighten infection control practices, address staffing shortages, and contend with supply disruptions. Therefore, if you have not already done so, review and prepare to implement your emergency and/or pandemic plans.
Healthcare providers needing or having resources to offer to the community should work with their local health departments and county Emergency Management Agencies.
Healthcare providers should contact their local health departments, which are the lead response agencies for public health emergencies in their communities, for guidance and local response activities. A complete listing of Ohio’s local health departments can be found at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/localHealthDistricts/localHealthDistricts.aspx.
A complete listing of Ohio’s county Emergency Management Agencies can be found at http://ema.ohio.gov/CountyEMA.aspx
Infection Control Practices
Healthcare providers need to establish mechanisms to screen patients entering your facilities who may be demonstrating signs/symptoms of febrile respiratory illness. To be truly effective, these mechanisms need to be established at all points of entry into the healthcare system.
CDC H1N1 Clinical and Public Health Guidance is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/.
CDC has published guidance concerning infection control practices in the healthcare setting for H1N1. This document is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm
The ODH infectious disease control manual is available at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/FD942ADA6D4745F097125B90E0BDB161/H1N1%20-%20Algorithm%20August%205%202009.pdfhttp://www.odh.ohio.gov/healthResources/infectiousDiseaseManual.aspx
Diagnosis, Testing, and Patient Care
Clinicians and healthcare facilities should consider the possibility of Influenza A/H1N1 infections in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness. If Influenza A/H1N1 infection is suspected, obtain a respiratory swab for testing and place it in a refrigerator, not a freezer. Contact your local health department to arrange for transportation of the swab to the Ohio Department of Health laboratory for testing. A complete listing of Ohio’s local health departments can be found at: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/localHealthDistricts/localHealthDistricts.aspx.
All healthcare providers, except those participating in the ILINet, should refer to the ODH algorithm for testing and treatment for H1N1 (swine flu) virus. ODH Algorithm for Testing and Treatment for H1N1 (swine flu) Virus is available at ttp://192.168.101.38/ASSETS/B64B24C773924D81BC3E1AA120CE883F/ODH testing algoritm H1N1 080509.pdf and the Explanation of Current ODH Novel Influenza A H1N1 Testing Procedures at /ASSETS/37473838DCFC42039FFE9192EF29F4D8/Explanation of ODH H1N1 Testing Procedures 080509.pdf
Guidance for clincians and healthcare facilities for identifying and treating cases of Swine-origin Influeza A/H1N1 is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/.
Ohio healthcare providers may contact the Ohio Influenza A/H1N1 Information Line at 1-866-800-1404 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
CDC Information Line is available at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or email at coca@cdc.gov
Other Resources:
Influenza A/H1N1 information in Spanish: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/espanol/habits.htm
CDC Interim Guidance for Antiviral Use: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
Cough etiquette in health care settings http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm
More information and in English and Spanish is available at:
 
Last Updated: 8/19/09
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