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The latest information and resources to help physicians deal with the outbreak of the H1N1, or swine flu, virus are posted on TMA's H1N1 Resource Center and on the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web sites.
DSHS Commissioner David Lakey, MD, told physicians at a packed, TMA-sponsored briefing during TexMed 2009 on May 1 that his agency is in close contact with local public health officials and the CDC to stay abreast of the impact of the always-changing H1N1 strain of the virus.
"We [DSHS] want to convey that this situation is serious, but we don't panic," Dr. Lakey said. "The virus has spread worldwide. We want to be able to respond and prevent complications and illness."
DSHS is adjusting its treatment guidelines for physicians as it gets more information on H1N1 and as the situation develops, he said.
The commissioner outlined some primary challenges to dealing with this widespread swine flu outbreak. They include:
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Working to increase the amount of supplies, such as test kits;
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Providing physicians with appropriate information that will allow them to make good clinical decisions; and
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Increasing surge capacity to give physicians faster lab test results.
"I don't want you to have to delay a patient's treatment while you wait on a test result," Dr. Lakey said.
Recognizing that patient visits to physician offices are rising throughout the state, he advised physicians to consult the CDC Web site for clinical guidance and treatment, as well as screening and specimen collection information.
DSHS has established a toll-free hotline, (877) 623-6274, for physicians and health care professionals with questions about assessing, evaluating, and treating swine flu.
The July issue of Texas Medicine will focus on flu prevention and the preparation involved in dealing with a disease outbreak.
Action, May 4, 2009
Last Published: 5/26/2009 Print this page
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