Influenza (Flu) in Arizona

Information for Healthcare Professionals & Facilities

Guidance for Clinicians

• ADHS Influenza Vaccination Facts for Healthcare Workers
• Vaccination Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011
• CDC Influenza Information for Health Professionals
  Includes Laboratory/Diagnostic Tests; Antiviral Drugs; Training; and Patient Education
• Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2011-2012
  Policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, updating recommendations for routine use of seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. Includes recommended usage, dosage and schedule of oseltamivir and zanamivir for treatment and chemoprophylaxis among children.
• Communicable Disease Reporting Requirements in Arizona
  Healthcare providers are responsible for reporting influenza-associated deaths in children less than 18 years of age. Laboratories performing influenza testing are required to report positive results.

Infection Control

• CDC Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings
  Includes administration of influenza vaccine; respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette; precautions for patient-care activities; and environmental and engineering infection control measures
• Additional CDC Infection Control Resources for Health Care Facilities
  Includes guidelines for specific sites such as child care or peri- and post-partum settings; antiviral chemoprophylaxis; and educational resources
• Dental Setting Infection Control Recommendations
• Vaccination of Health Care Workers

Guidance for Healthcare Facilities

One person with lab-confirmed influenza or three or more people with clinically-compatible symptoms are considered an outbreak in a long-term care or assisted living facility. Call your local health department and see the documents below for outbreak control guidelines and assistance.

• Influenza-like Illness Outbreak Control Guidelines for Long-term Care Facilities
• Influenza-like Illness Outbreak Control Guidelines for Assisted Living Facilities

Recommendations for People with High Risk Conditions

Pregnant women, people aged 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are at an increased risk of complications from influenza. Yearly flu vaccination is the best protection for all these groups. More detailed information from CDC can be found at the links below.

• Pregnant Women
• People with Asthma
• People with Diabetes
• People with Other High Risk Medical Conditions
• People Ages 65 years and Older

Medical Examiners and Pathologists

Medical examiners or pathologists who identify an unexplained death with a medical history of acute respiratory illness or whose preliminary autopsy findings show an abnormal respiratory process should contact their local health department. Viral testing may be available at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory for cases that meet the criteria for investigation of an unexplained death with a history of fever and have approval from the health department. Additional information is available on the ADHS unexplained deaths investigation webpage.

Information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA registers disinfectants after evaluating product efficacy for the accuracy of the public health label claims. The products described here are for use on hard surfaces, not skin.

• Antimicrobial Products Registered for Use Against Influenza A Viruses on Hard Surfaces
• List of Registered products with Label claims for Influenza A

Public Education Resources for Healthcare Providers and Facilities

Free influenza resources for healthcare professionals are available from the CDC. The site has brochures, fact sheets, posters, stickers and more, which can be used to educate patients and encourage influenza prevention activities.