Weekly Flu News - October 30
The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic has not only resulted in a surge of patients throughout our healthcare system, but also a surge in media coverage of the disease. In continuing our commitment to keep you informed on key issues related to emergency preparedness and response, we are sending these weekly alerts which highlight recent news reports and publications related to H1N1. These articles highlight some of the issues you and your organization may be facing in the wake of the current influenza pandemic.
Federal and State Government
President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for H1N1 Flu, Flu.gov (October 24, 2009)
HHS Secretary Sebelius Issues 1135 Waiver for H1N1 Flu, Flu.gov (October 27, 2009)
Vaccines and Antivirals
Minnesota flu line will speed antivirals to at-risk patients, CIDRAP (October 21, 2009)
FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Intravenous Antiviral Peramivir for 2009 H1N1 Influenza for Certain Patients, Settings, FDA Press Announcement (October 23, 2009)
Anxious Crowds Meet Ad Hoc Swine Flu Police, New York Times (October 27, 2009)
Healthcare Surge
Surge in cases at Children’s Hospital, Philly.com (October 21, 2009)
Worst Case: Choosing Who Survives in a Flu Epidemic, New York Times (October 24, 2009)
H1N1 flu “pushing hospitals to their limit”, USA Today (October 27, 2009)
General News
Swine flu cases overestimated? CBS News (October 21, 2009)
New computerized course: Pandemic stress vaccine for health-care workers worldwide, Reuters (October 26, 2009)
Troutman Sanders LLP has been actively involved in influenza pandemic preparedness planning since 2005 and has prepared a number of white papers and planning guides to assist healthcare providers preparing for emergencies and disasters, including an influenza pandemic response.
To access Troutman Sanders LLP’s Pandemic Influenza Resource Center, which contains many of the tools that we have developed, please visit http://www.troutman.com/panflu. Please contact Steve Gravely or Erin Whaley for more information on how Troutman Sanders can assist with your pandemic influenza preparedness needs.