Confirmed H1N1 flu (swine flu) changes guidance for testing

State goal to identify H1N1 flu cases as quickly as possible and stop the spread

[May 02, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Friday, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Illinois Department of Public Health director, reported three confirmed cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) and 51 probable cases in Illinois. Due to these confirmed cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health are not recommending routine flu testing for people with mild flu-like illness, as these cases can be medically managed without laboratory testing. The department is focusing its testing efforts on hospitalized patients with severe illness.

"The department continues to work to identify cases of H1N1 flu as quickly as possible by testing those in hospitals who have severe respiratory symptoms and fever, and to try to stop the spread," Arnold said. "Because we have confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Illinois, we are now focusing our laboratory resources on the most severe cases. This is not cause for alarm, and we continue to stress the need for the public to take preventive action to protect themselves from becoming ill."

The CDC is continuously updating its guidance due to the challenges this newly identified influenza virus poses, and the Illinois Department of Public Health will continue to remain consistent with CDC guidance.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds people to take precautions to stay healthy by following the three "C's":

• Clean -- Properly wash your hands frequently.

• Cover -- Cover your cough and sneeze.

• Contain -- Contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.

For the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 flu, including how to keep your family safe, travel recommendations and guidance for schools, go to www.ready.illinois.gov.

[Text from Illinois Department of Public Health file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]