Access physician swine flu resources

As more swine flu cases are reported in Texas and around the United States, family physicians play an important role in treating patients, keeping communities healthy and calming fears about contracting the disease. Many organizations have gathered resources to help you care for your patients.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has created a “Swine Flu H1N1” section to the AAFP Web site that provides members with links to the latest information from the CDC, World Health Organization, State Health Departments and the U.S. Government’s Pandemic Flu Web site. Also, access patient information through the icon in the top left-hand corner of www.familydoctor.org.

The Texas Department of State Health Services published the “Texas Guidance for Clinicians: Patients with Influenza-Like Illness,” on April 26. This document will be continually updated as the situation evolves. DSHS states in the guide that “unless there is evidence to the contrary, swine influenza should be highly suspected in persons with influenza-like illness.” For this and other documents on swine flu in Texas, go to the “Information for Professionals” section of the DSHS Web page, www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu.

According to TMA, DSHS has also established a toll-free swine flu hotline for physicians with questions about assessing, evaluating and treating swine flu. Call (877) 623-6274.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gathered resources on the swine flu to help you recognize symptoms and answer patients’ questions. Go to the dedicated swine flu information page, www.cdc.gov/swineflu, and click on “Guidance for Professionals” in the left-hand column to access documents on caring for patients, prevention and treatment in young children, and considerations for pregnant women.

The Texas Medical Association has scheduled a special educational session on swine flu on Friday, May 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. during TexMed 2009. Access a pdf about the education session on TMA’s swine flu information page. Also, view a Google map of confirmed or probable swine flu cases, suspect cases, negative cases, and fatal cases around the world.

Additional reading:

Read three articles from AAFP publications before they’re available in print.

• Basic Rules of Influenza: How to Combat the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Virus, AFP
• Telephone Triage of Patients with Influenza, AFP
• Preparing Your Office for an Infectious Disease Epidemic, FPM