The Flu —
Information for Health Care Providers
Clinician Guidance and Resources
- Clinical Description & Lab Diagnosis of Influenza (CDC)
- Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
- Information for Health Professionals (CDC)
- Resources in Multiple Languages
Testing
The Vermont Department of Health Laboratory performs influenza testing primarily for public health surveillance purposes to document flu activity in the community. Influenza RT-PCR testing to confirm influenza and determine type is performed at the Laboratory on Tuesday and Friday of each week, or by prior arrangement.
To make arrangements for testing, call the Laboratory at 802-863-7336.
Guidance for Clinicians on the Use of Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests
As part of this guidance resource, CDC created this guide for considering influenza virus diagnostic tests for individual patients
when influenza viruses are circulating in the community.
Antivirals
Infection Control
Influenza Reporting
The law requires that health care providers report disease of public health importance.
Persons who are required to report: health care facilities, health care providers, health maintenance organizations, hospital administrators, laboratory directors, managed care organizations, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, physicians, school health officials, town health officers.
Cases of reportable diseases should be reported to the Department of Health within 24 hours.
Reportable by medical providers, hospitals, school health officials:
- Pediatric influenza-related deaths
- Institutional outbreaks
Reportable by laboratories:
- Positive viral cultures
- Weekly aggregate # of positive rapid influenza tests
Page updated: December 19, 2011 12:50