Managing Influenza Winter 2011/12

This guidance, published by Public Health Wales, covers the infection prevention and control management of seasonal influenza in healthcare settings.

The guidance is intended to supersede previous guidance including that which was given for the 2009/10 H1N1 influenza pandemic and 2010/11 H1N1 "second wave". Cases of seasonal influenza will arise and need routine management every year, whereas pandemic strains are extremely rare and require unusual and necessarily extra-cautious precautions. It is noted that, if a pre-pandemic or pandemic phase occurs, this guidance itself may be superseded. This guidance represents the best currently available evidence.

Key Messages:

• vaccination of healthcare workers with direct patient contact and people 65 years and over or in high risk groups is the most important measure in preventing seasonal influenza infection
• standard precautions must be maintained at all times in all healthcare settings including when managing known or suspected cases of influenza
• hand hygiene is a very important defence against acquisition of influenza
• reinforce respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette with all patients
• in addition, droplet precautions are required for all cases of known or suspected influenza, until either the
• diagnosis has been excluded or the patient is no longer deemed infectious (see below for applying droplet precautions in different healthcare settings).

Precautions for specific healthcare settings are presented, covering:

• GP surgeries/other ambulatory/domiciliary/outpatient settings
• A&E/Admissions Unit
• in-patient Hospital Units
• Critical Care Settings (level 2 and 3 care)