Orange County continues to receive large numbers of influenza reports, outbreaks in long term care facilities and other group settings, and severe cases (less than 65 years of age hospitalized in intensive care or who died).  
Key points:
  • It’s not too late to vaccinate! Influenza vaccine is readily available at numerous locations throughout the county; see www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/family/flu. 
  • Antivirals should be started as soon as possible in people with symptoms of influenza who are hospitalized, have severe progressive disease, or who are at increased risk of complications of influenza.
  • Per the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), there is currently no state or national shortage of antivirals, though multiple local pharmacies have reported delays in supply from wholesalers. CDPH recommends that pharmacies having difficulties locating antivirals in a timely manner should consider contacting their wholesaler’s customer service desk to request drop shipments from the manufacturer. For updates on antiviral supply and manufacturer availability: www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/supply.htm. 
  • For clinical antiviral recommendations see: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00409.asp.
  • Patients with influenza should be cared for using droplet precautions in healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. The CDC recommends that “patients under droplet precautions should be discharged from medical care when clinically appropriate, not based on the period of potential virus shedding or the recommended duration of droplet precautions. Before discharge, communicate the patient’s diagnosis and current precautions with post-hospital care providers (e.g., home-healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities) as well as transporting personnel.” (See All Facilities Letter AFL 18-08 and CDC’s Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings.)