South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Flu Symptoms
• Where to Get Flu Shot
• Facts About Flu
• S.C. Flu Cases
• Free Posters, Resources
• Info for Specific Groups
• Older Adults
• People with Health Problems
• Parents
• Pregnant Women
• Healthcare Professionals
• Schools and Child Care Centers
• Businesses
• Residential Facilities
• Flu: Background Info
• What is a Pandemic?
• What is Seasonal Flu?
• What is H1N1 Flu?
• What is Avian Flu?
• Need more info?
• Visit the CDC
• Visit Flu.gov

Healthcare Professionals

Thank you for working closely with us to slow the spread of influenza in South Carolina.

DHEC’s Weekly Flu Surveillance Update

For weekly flu reporting statistics, see our South Carolina Influenza Activity and Surveillance Web page.

Planning Guidance

• Abbreviated Pandemic Influenza Plan Template for Primary Care Provider Offices: Guidance from Stakeholders (pdf)

Vaccination

Vaccines are available now. See the recommendations on seasonal flu vaccines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

• Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Children Aged 6-23 Months - U.S., 2008-09 Influenza Season
  Answers to common questions regarding influenza vaccine strain selection, including information on the virus strains recommended for use in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccines.
• Influenza Activity - United States and Worldwide, June 13--September 25, 2010
  Answers to common questions regarding influenza vaccine strain selection, including information on the virus strains recommended for use in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccines.
• Influenza 2010-2011: ACIP Vaccination Recommendations
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Safety: A Summary for Clinicians

Antivirals

Recommendations on the use of anti-viral drugs for the 2010-2011 flu season are currently in development and will be posted on this page shortly.

• Summary Influenza Antiviral Treatment Recommendations for 2010-2011
• 2010-2011 Influenza Antiviral Medications: Summary for Clinicians
• Caregiver Instruction Sheet: Opening and Mixing Tamiflu® Capsules with Liquids if Child Cannot Swallow Capsules (12/01/09)
  This document provides instructions for caregivers on how to open and mix Tamiflu® capsules with a thick sweetened liquid for children who cannot swallow capsules.

Clinician Guidance

General Patient Population

• Template Letter for Healthcare Providers about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (CDC) (10/6/09)

Specific Patient Categories

• Treatment of Influenza During Pregnancy (FDA) (10/2/09)

Epidemiology and Surveillance

• South Carolina Influenza Activity and Surveillance

Specimen Collecting and Testing

• Guidance for Clinicians on the Use of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests for the 2010-2011 Influenza Season
• Health Alert Network: 2010-2011 SC Influenza Surveillance (pdf)

Infection Control

• Infection Control in Healthcare Settings (CDC)

Additional Flu Resources

• South Carolina Health Alert Network: Public Health Notifications
• Free Patient Education Materials (English and Spanish)
• Traveler’s Health (CDC)

If, after reading the information available on our website, you have questions about the vaccine,
please call 1-800-27SHOTS (1-800-277-4687).