REVISED advice for Fraser Health clinicians:
For any patient sick with cough and fever in whom H1N1 flu (human swine flu) infection is suspected:
It is no longer necessary to do diagnostic testing (a nasopharyngeal swab) for surveillance purposes. Testing should only be done on hospitalized patients with severe illness or when clinically necessary (when the results of testing will affect patient management). Most cases with mild or moderate illness will not require diagnostic testing.
When diagnostic testing is required, put a nasopharyngeal or nasal swab in viral transport media. In hospitals use a COPAN nasopharyngeal swab. Please ensure updated patient contact information, physician contact information and details of any travel or high risk exposures are included on the requisition.
Patients with mild illness should not be sent to Emergency.
Advise the case to self-isolate for 7 days or until fever resolves, whichever is longer. Cases should inform their close contacts and advise them to self-isolate if they also become ill.
Fraser Health is not recommending the use of antivirals for prophylaxis of asymptomatic contacts. Asymptomatic contacts do not need to self-isolate but should self-monitor for symptoms.
Consider the use of oseltamivir (which is most effective if given within 48 hours of symptom onset).
For operational and logistical information please phone your local health unit. Fraser Health Medical Health Officers are available for consultation at 604-587-3828 or in Fraser East at 1-877-342-6467.
After Hours Public Health Emergency Pager: 604-527-4806. Ask for the Medical Health Officer on-call.
