Weekly Flu News - December 16
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
Influenza plan needs more White House monitoring, HS Today (December 14, 2009)
New Report: H1N1 reveals gaps in nation’s emergency health preparedness efforts; twenty states score six or less out of ten key indicators, Trust for America’s Health (December 15, 2009)
Vaccines and Antivirals
Experts question effectiveness of Tamiflu, CBS News (December 8, 2009)
U.S. interest in seasonal flu shots may be waning, Reuters (December 9, 2009)
WHO backs findings on Tamiflu for seasonal flu, Reuters (December 11, 2009)
General News
Chinese study pins down pandemic flu incubation, MedPage Today (December 9, 2009)
Triage: Flu outbreak saps public health resources, Wall Street Journal (December 10, 2009)
Swine flu death toll at 10,000 since April, New York Times (December 10, 2009)
The H1N1 pandemic: Is a second wave possible? Time (December 10, 2009)
Swine flu: Hospitals weigh continuing ban on children over concerns about spread of H1N1, Chicago Tribune (December 13, 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.