Update 44
Dear Colleagues,
In terms of the current clinical situation, this week has seen a sustained and significant increase in flu activity across the UK, with pronounced regional spikes in GP flu-related consultations (see Status Updates). Almost all circulating UK influenza is the pandemic strain, and we are approaching normal winter baseline activity. I am in constant dialogue with the Health Protection Agency on the predicted course of the virus, including the timing and level of anticipated peak activity, and we will continue to provide any information we get in this regard.
The GSK H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix) has now been authorised for use by the European Commission following last week?s endorsement by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The Baxter brand (provisionally named Celvapan) is still under review but we understand that GSK will supply the bulk of the vaccine. Although there are a number of uncertainties relating to manufacturer delivery profile, the Director of Immunisation has supplied some initial information on the nature and schedule of supply (see below).
In light of guidance issued by the Department of Health (DH) this week, we summarise current advice on antiviral treatment of pregnant (and breastfeeding) women and children under one. This incorporates recommendations from the EMEA relating to children under one that we circulated last week. We also report on the latest DH advice relating to sickness certification, and reiterate guidance on infection control in practices.
Please continue sending your insights, queries and suggestions flu@rcgp.org.uk. These are invaluable, particularly in terms of gaining insight on any unanticipated consequences of operational decisions, and help to inform our discussions with decision-making bodies on ?grey areas? for GPs. I once again applaud the exceptional efforts and flexibility of frontline GPs during this extraordinary period.
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical_and_research/pandemic_planning/latest_h1n1_flu_update.aspx
Dear Colleagues,
In terms of the current clinical situation, this week has seen a sustained and significant increase in flu activity across the UK, with pronounced regional spikes in GP flu-related consultations (see Status Updates). Almost all circulating UK influenza is the pandemic strain, and we are approaching normal winter baseline activity. I am in constant dialogue with the Health Protection Agency on the predicted course of the virus, including the timing and level of anticipated peak activity, and we will continue to provide any information we get in this regard.
The GSK H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix) has now been authorised for use by the European Commission following last week?s endorsement by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). The Baxter brand (provisionally named Celvapan) is still under review but we understand that GSK will supply the bulk of the vaccine. Although there are a number of uncertainties relating to manufacturer delivery profile, the Director of Immunisation has supplied some initial information on the nature and schedule of supply (see below).
In light of guidance issued by the Department of Health (DH) this week, we summarise current advice on antiviral treatment of pregnant (and breastfeeding) women and children under one. This incorporates recommendations from the EMEA relating to children under one that we circulated last week. We also report on the latest DH advice relating to sickness certification, and reiterate guidance on infection control in practices.
Please continue sending your insights, queries and suggestions flu@rcgp.org.uk. These are invaluable, particularly in terms of gaining insight on any unanticipated consequences of operational decisions, and help to inform our discussions with decision-making bodies on ?grey areas? for GPs. I once again applaud the exceptional efforts and flexibility of frontline GPs during this extraordinary period.
http://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical_and_research/pandemic_planning/latest_h1n1_flu_update.aspx
