Weekly Flu News - November 11
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.
Vaccines and Antivirals
HHS orders intravenous antiviral flu medication to help patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1, HHS News Release (November 5, 2009)
Officials defend distribution of flu vaccine to companies, New York Times (November 5, 2009)
Poll finds two-thirds of parents and high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine were unable to get it, Harvard School of Public Health Press Release (November 6, 2009)
Healthcare Surge
Doing business during an influenza pandemic: Human Resources Policies, Protocols, Templates, Tools and Tips, CIDRAP (November 2009)
General News
Report on H1N1 cases in California shows hospitalization can occur at all ages, with many severe, EurekAlert (November 3, 2009)
‘Rapid influenza tests’ often fail to detect H1N1, USA Today (November 9, 2009)
FACTBOX – Measures to fight H1N1 swine flu in Europe, Reuters (November 10, 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.