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CDPH Health Advisory: Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity and Guidance for Clinicians

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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Advisory today entitled “Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity and Guidance for Clinicians"

The key messages are below and the full Health Advisory can be viewed here.

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses besides SARS-CoV-2 are circulating in California and causing potentially serious illnesses in infants and older adults.
  • Testing for influenza and RSV is recommended, and testing for other respiratory pathogens should be considered, especially in patients with respiratory illnesses who test negative for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Routine testing for influenza is important for tracking influenza activity, which is currently low.
  • Vaccinate Californians 6 months and older against influenza. Influenza vaccine and COVID-19 can be coadministered.
  • Encourage parents and caregivers to keep young children with acute respiratory illnesses out of childcare, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Discourage health care personnel, childcare providers, and staff of long-term care facilities from working while acutely ill, even if they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.
 

To view other LAHAN communications, please visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/lahan.

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