Do you have a pandemic influenza plan? KCER, Swine Flu, and You.

The CMS Conditions for Coverage (link) require that all dialysis facilities have a plan for emergencies - including pandemic influenza. The KCER Pandemic Preparedness Response Team has developed resources for dialysis facilities and patients to create and support facility emergency plans. These tools are free and available on www.kcercoalition.com.

Even if your state does not have any cases of swine flu, it is critical to monitor local media and government agencies, and follow the CDC guidelines for "What You Can Do to Stay Healthy." Facilities should read theInterim Guidance for Clinicians & Public Health Professionals at http://cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/ and maintain contact with their local ESRD Network for information specific to the area.

Each state follows different policies and procedures in the reporting and testing of suspected cases. Check to see if your state department of health has a swine flu hotline for general information.

Facilities should educate their staff and patients on swine flu and what they can do to stay healthy. The CDC recommends:

Stay informed. The CDC website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

Visit www.ready.gov for more information on developing a family plan.

Swine Flu: 91 cases, 1 death confirmed by the CDC

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Swine influenza - update 4

28 April 2009--The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 19:15 GMT, 28 April 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.
WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Related links

KCER Pandemic Team Monitors U.S. Swine Flu Outbreak

The Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition's Pandemic Preparedness Team is actively monitoring the U.S. swine flu outbreak. KCER has distributed information to the ESRD Networks and is avaliable for technical assistance. Please visit www.kcercoalition.com for pandemic preparedness information and resources for the kidney community.