Influenza

Overview

Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family and your patients. Annual vaccination is the most important tool to prevent flu-related deaths.

Testing and treatment

• Testing guidance for clinicians when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are co-circulating—CDC.
• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests—Can be useful in clinical decision-making but sensitivity is low (50%–70%). Might not detect novel or variant influenza. Negative tests do not rule out influenza. 
• Prescribing antiviral medication.

Surveillance data

• Washington (Washington State Department of Health (DOH)).
• United States (CDC).
• Virology (University of Washington).

Healthcare facilities

• Flu Outbreak Guidelines in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities (CDC). 
• Flu outbreak guidelines for congregate care facilities (DOH).  

Vaccine

• Sample standing orders for child and teen flu immunization (immunize.org).
• Sample standing orders for adult flu immunization (immunize.org).
• Vaccine information statements (immunize.org).
  • Available in multiple languages.
• Healthcare worker immunization toolkit (ImmunityCommunity).
• Flu vaccination for healthcare workers (ImmunityCommunity).

Resources

• Flu page (CDC).
• Clinical guidance for influenza (CDC).
• Flu information for public health and healthcare (DOH).

Patient materials

• Social Media and Print Flu Resource Center (CDC).
• Flu and Pregnancy (CDC).
• Adult and children’s immunizations.