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| INFLUENZA Updated Key Points Flu Hotline is available for the latest advisories from Lady of the Sea at 632-8200. Click here for list of clinics and appointment hours Influenza Press Releases August 25, 2009, Cut Off, LA --- The state of Louisiana this week reports an increase in the number of influenza cases in the state. One notable characteristic of an influenza pandemic is that outbreaks occur in “waves” that last 4-8 weeks. This means that we will see the illness for 4-8 weeks which will steadily increase and peak somewhere around 3-4 weeks. Once we reach our peak the cases will decrease, maybe even down to zero. This will be our time to regroup, evaluate, and prepare for another potential “wave” which could recur in another 4-8 weeks. This pattern could continue for a year or even two. If you or a family member is sick with influenza the current recommendations are to stay home from school or work until they are fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin etc). Please see our homecare manual, available for download here, for additional information on taking care of a flu patient at home. H1N1 Influenza continues to be transmitted throughout the state of Louisiana although we are in the middle of the summer when transmission usually is extremely low. The percent of physicians’ office, emergency department and urgent care visit for flu-like symptoms is the best indicator of transmission. It is now at 2 to 4%. In a normal summer we would expect 0.2 to 0.4%. The number of confirmed cases is now 449, but this is only a minute fraction of the total number of cases estimated for Louisiana which is around 20,000 (extrapolated from CDC estimates). These 20,000 cases are either sporadic cases or small familial clusters and clusters in groups (offices, businesses, schools, camps). The rate of hospitalizations and death is still very low. So far the severity is similar to that of the seasonal influenza. August 20, 2009: Cut Off, LA --- There has been a steady increase of positive Influenza A cases in our area of Lafourche Parish. The majority of our cases have been mild and occured in school age children. According to our state epidemiologist, Dr. Ratard, these cases are assumed to be of the novel strain (H1N1 “swine flu”). Please remember to remain vigilant in your infection control practices such as to:
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