Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a flu virus of swine origin that first caused human illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April 2009. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus to be of pandemic proportions on June 11 when it designated a pandemic alert Phase 6.  The WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

In the United States, most people who have become ill with the H1N1 virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. Sporadic cases of flu, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, will likely continue to occur throughout the summer in the United States. Internationally, 2009 H1N1 viruses are still circulating, including in the Southern Hemisphere, which is entering its flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates this virus could cause significant illness during the 2009-2010 U.S. influenza season and issues updated guidance to health care providers as the situation evolves.

What's New

Flu activity is low at this time, with most flu continuing to be caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus. In addition to seasonal flu vaccine, a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus is the best way to protect against the pandemic virus.

OSHA Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers

There are reasonable steps that may be taken to control the spread of H1N1- and protect health care workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released 2009 guidance on preventing the spread of pandemic influenza in the health care workplace.

The MHA has compiled a list of resources on respiratory protection for health care workers during the H1N1 pandemic.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Links

• Main CDC page for H1N1 Influenza
• Latest H1N1 Vaccine Recommendations
• Weekly FluView Surveillance Report
• Resources for Clinicians
• Information for People with Certain Medical Conditions
• 10 Steps You Can Take: Actions for Novel H1N1 Influenza Planning and Response for Medical Offices and Outpatient Facilities
• Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
• What's New on the CDC H1N1 Flu Site

• Main MDCH page for H1N1 Influenza
• Information for Clinicians
• Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)
• Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Program (Provider Enrollment)
• Questions and Answers on H1N1 Vaccine Administration Billing
• Guidance for Compounding of Tamiflu® Capsules
• FluBytes Weekly Newsletter
• Michigan Flu Focus Influenza Surveillance Report

• Individuals and Families (MDCH)
• Businesses and the Workplace (MDCH)
• H1N1 Flu and You (CDC)
• Parents and Caregivers (CDC)

• Resources on Respiratory Protection for Health Care Workers (MHA)
• Medicare Fee-For-Service Provider - H1N1 Vaccine Billing
• Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provider - H1N1 Vaccine Billing
• Requesting an 1135 Waiver
• Find your Local Public Health Department (Michigan Association for Local Public Health)
• Planning for a Pandemic (article - Hospitals & Health Networks magazine)
• Key Messages and Talking Points for Hospitals (Michigan Health & Hospital Association)
• Declaration of H1N1 National Emergency Allows Important Regulatory Waivers (American Hospital Association Special Bulletin 10/29/09)
• Information for the Media (MDCH)

Questions about hospitals’ response to the pandemic should be directed to Morgan Brooks at the MHA at (517) 703-8607.