Questions and Answers about Updating Guidance on Infection Control Measures for Influenza in Healthcare Settings

July 15, 2010 12:30 PM ET

Is the Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel, being updated?

Yes. As noted in the 2009 guidance introduction, the guidance was intended to apply to the unique circumstances of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and to be updated as new information became available.

Why is CDC updating this guidance now?

When the interim infection control guidance for 2009 H1N1 was posted, substantial uncertainties existed regarding the severity of disease and health impact of the novel H1N1 influenza strain, a high proportion of the population was susceptible to the new virus, and the vaccine was not available. Circumstances have changed significantly since then.  First, a safe and effective vaccine has become widely available.  Second, we now have information about the number of cases of disease, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by 2009 H1N1, which can be compared to historical seasonal influenza data.  The current circumstances justify an update of the recommendations. 

Further, recommendations for prevention of seasonal flu in healthcare facilities are currently found throughout the influenza section of the CDC web site.  In updating this particular guidance, CDC will consolidate recommendations into a comprehensive, easily accessible document.

How is the guidance being updated?

First, experts at the CDC and other federal agencies reviewed and edited the guidance. On June 22, the updated proposed guidance was published in the Federal Register, along with a Request for Comments. The comment period will last 30 days, ending on July 22, 2010.

CDC will review and consider all of the comments received during the comment period.

A final version of the guidance will then be published.