Health Care Providers | Influenza | Communicable Disease Control & Surveillance | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

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Influenza Vaccine

Influenza vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its severe complications. All health care workers who have direct patient contact should receive annual influenza vaccination. All persons in high risk groups outlined in CDC's Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) should be offered influenza vaccination.

Primary change in the 2008-2009 influenza recommendations: Beginning in the 2008-09 influenza season, annual vaccination for all children aged 5 up to the 19th birthday is recommended. All children 6 months-59 months and children at high risk for influenza complications should continue with annual influenza vaccinations.

The NH Immunization Program provides vaccines for all NH children.

Antiviral Medications

Although annual vaccination is the primary strategy for preventing complications of influenza virus infections, antiviral medications may be effective for the chemoprophylaxis and treatment of influenza. Four licensed antiviral agents are available in the US: amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir. However, due to high levels of resistance demonstrated in 2005-06, the ACIP recommends that neither amantadine nor rimantadine be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of influenza A in the US until susceptibility to these antiviral medications has been re-established among circulating influenza A viruses. Recommendations for the use of antiviral medications can be found in the ACIP recommendations mentioned above.

Laboratory Testing for Influenza

Many commercial rapid tests are available and can detect influenza viruses in 30 minutes, making these tests very convenient for use in outpatient settings. These tests differ in the types of influenza viruses they can detect, and whether they can distinguish between influenza virus types. As with any test for influenza, the sensitivity and specificity can vary depending on the lab that performs the test, type of test used, type of specimen tested, and the timing of specimen collection.

Despite the availability and convenience of rapid diagnostic tests, none of these tests can provide information regarding influenza A subtypes. Collecting clinical specimens for viral culture remains critical, since only culture isolates can provide specific information regarding circulating strains and subtypes of influenza viruses. The NH Public Health Laboratories are available year-round for identification of influenza virus subtypes, and are a critical component of influenza surveillance in NH and in the US

Prevention and Control

Preventing an influenza outbreak in any clinic setting or health care facility is critical. All health care staff should be follow infection control recommendations to help prevent the spread of influenza or any other respiratory infection. The Communicable Disease Control Section staff is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to help answer questions regarding infection control practices, or to offer assistance should an outbreak occur. Staff can be reached during business hours at (603) 271-4496, or after hours at (800) 852-3345 ext. 5300.

Public Awareness & Education

Educating the public, including your patients, on how to prepare for flu season is key to prevention. The Division of Public Health Services provides access to printed materials that can be distributed and displayed in public places where the public is most likely to seek health information.

Pandemic Preparedness

The State of New Hampshire Influenza Pandemic Public Health Preparedness & Response Plan Adobe Acrobat Reader Symbol is published to advise health care workers, health care facilities, State and local health departments, and NH communities with appropriate preparedness and response activities that can help protect the public against a potential influenza pandemic. The plan was reviewed and accepted by the NH Communicable Disease Epidemic Control Committee, a group of health officials from the Community and State levels, and continues to be updated. Additional information regarding pandemic preparedness, and avian influenza, can be found on the State's avian flu Web site.