The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about increased influenza A(H3N2) activity that could mark the beginning of the 2021-22 influenza season.
The purpose of this HAN Health Advisory is to:
- Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to recommend and offer the current seasonal influenza vaccine to all eligible persons aged six months and older (flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same visit).
- Remind clinicians to consider testing for both the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with influenza-like illness.
- Advise clinicians that antiviral treatment is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is: a) hospitalized; b) at higher risk for influenza complications; or c) developing progressive illness. In patients with suspected influenza, decisions about starting antiviral treatment should not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza, however COVID-19 should be excluded if a rapid assay is available.
- Remind public health practitioners and clinicians to consider mitigation measures including antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis during influenza outbreaks in institutions (e.g., long-term care facilities, university dormitories) in the setting of co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2.
- Remind the public to use non-pharmaceutical interventions or everyday preventive actions, in addition to getting a flu vaccine. Everyday preventive actions include staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often.