Center for Disease Control (CDC) Provides Up to the Minute Information on the Human Swine Influenza Investigation

As new information becomes available, the information and guidance for the Swine Influenza outbreak is being updated frequently and posted on the CDC Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) website at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

The CDC has reported that the viruses contain a unique combination of gene segments that have not been reported previously among swine or human influenza viruses in the U.S. or elsewhere. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment of infection with swine influenza viruses. The H1N1 viruses are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine but not to oseltamivir or zanamivir. It is not anticipated that the seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against the swine flu H1N1 viruses. As new information becomes available, the information and guidance for the Swine Influenza outbreak is being updated frequently and posted on the CDC Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) website at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

CDC has also been working closely with public health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexican public health authorities have reported increased levels of respiratory disease, including reports of severe pneumonia cases and deaths, in recent weeks. CDC is assisting public health authorities in Mexico by testing specimens and providing epidemiological support. Further information on international cases may be found at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html

Persons with febrile respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections (including influenza and other respiratory illnesses) to others in their communities. In addition, frequent hand washing can lessen the spread of respiratory illness.

Clinical guidance on laboratory safety, case definitions, infection control and information for the public are available at:   http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm.

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratory Workers: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_labworkers.htm 

Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm

Interim Guidance on Case Definitions for Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Human Case Investigations: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm

Again, for more information about swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu  Additional information is also available by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)