Flu Season Concerns & Resources:
Reported 10/24/05

The Galveston County Health District has received some inquiries and concerns from area physicians regarding the recommended use of antivirals this flu season. Some area physicians have expressed concern about writing prescriptions for antivirals (such as oseltamivir ), merely for a "just in case scenario" of an influenza outbreak , including avian. Public health officials recommend that antiviral/chemoprophylactic drugs are not used as substitutes for vaccination nor prescribed outside of an actual outbreak scenario. There are four antiviral medications with varying indications and efficacies outlined in CDC guidelines.

Official public health guidelines for high risk vaccinations and for use of antivirals can be found at the Health District's web link to the CDC MMWR located at: <http://www.gchd.org/pages/councils/05earlyflu.pdf>. As of October 10, the Health District has established influenza surveillance and have received no confirmed reports of influenza or influenza-like illnesses in the county. In addition, the Heath District will begin it's first phase of influenza vaccinations to high risk groups, starting on October 26th at a Senior Health Summit to be held at the Doyle Convention Center (see www.gchd.org <http://www.gchd.org>). The CDC and State are reporting no anticipated shortage of vaccine this flu season.

The Health District is preparing a news release to include a variety of measures to prevent or reduce the likelihood of influenza. Physicians are encouraged to consult with Health District to help identify early cases in the county or to locate specific public health guidelines. Finally, Health District epidemiologists are requesting that physicians promptly report influenza and flu-like illness to 409.938.2232.