OPA NOTICE 2009 HINI INFLUENZA UPDATE #3 A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR FOR SUPPORT

• Document Type: FOIA
• Keywords: OPA NOTICES
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005393005
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: June 23, 2015
• Document Release Date: September 21, 2009
• Case Number: F-2009-00993
• Publication Date: May 1, 2009

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OPA NOTICE
05/01/2009
2009 H1N1 Influenza Update #3
A Message from the Director for Support:
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APPROVED FOR RELEASED
DATE: 16-Sep-2009
The widening influenza outbreak now includes at least 15 states and 19 other countries,
with suspected new cases identified every day. It is likely that in the next several days
cases will appear more widely in the US, including the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Although commonly referred to as swine flu, Health and Human Services
officials are urging adoption of the term 2009 HINI, while CDC is
switching to S-OIV (swine-origin influenza virus), so look for these
different terms in official communications.
Many more countries have suspected cases, awaiting confirmation.
The characteristics of this 2009 HIN1 influenza strain in humans is not fully understood
because it is so new, but it appears to act like usual seasonal influenza strains in
transmission (aerosol), symptoms caused (fever, cough, sore throat, body and headaches,
fatigue), and clinical course.
While most US cases have been mild, CDC officials do expect to see more
serious cases if the flu spreads in the US and reaches vulnerable
populations. This expectation is based on the annual US experience with
seasonal flu, which causes an estimated 36,000 deaths each year.
There is insufficient evidence to determine if the seasonal flu
immunization will offer any protection; because this is a novel virus, the
working hypothesis is that little protection is offered. There is no vaccine
for 2009 HIN1 at this time.
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? Specimens around the globe continue to be sensitive to oseltamivir
(Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
As we continue to monitor the international and local situations, OMS provides the
following guidance for minimizing your risk of infection:
? Wash hands frequently and for 20 seconds at a time. Soap and water will
do well; alcohol based hand sanitizers are very effective.
? Cough into your sleeve, tissue or fabric (it catches more aerosol, and limits
spread to others via your hands).
? Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth - these are the easiest paths for
the virus to invade your body.
? Stay home if you develop a respiratory illness with fever, and contact your
health care provider for advice and guidance.
? If you or a family member becomes ill with a respiratory illness with
fever, select one household member to provide care to that individual.
? Follow guidance from the CDC and local health departments regarding flu
patterns in your area.
www.cdc.gov/swinetlu
www.who.int/crs/diseases/swineflu
For Maryland residents: www.dhmh.state.md.us
For District of Columbia residents: www.dchealth.de.gov
For Virginia residents: www.wdh.state.va.us
And for other states, search for your state department of health website.
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