This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
The sudden escalation of flu cases throughout California and across the nation has caught the attention of hospitals, clinicians, public health experts and the media. A seasonal illness that typically occurs in the U.S. between October and May, the flu generally peaks in February. This year, however, the outbreak seems to be peaking earlier, and California is experiencing a particularly bad flu year.
Many hospitals across the state are seeing a substantial increase in emergency department volume and inpatient admissions. To help hospitals address inquiries about the flu outbreak, CHA has prepared the attached talking points.
CHA encourages hospitals to evaluate their surge plans and implement them as needed. Hospitals should inform their local California Department of Public Health district office if they experience a significant surge or have concerns or problems. There may be times when program flex is needed; in those cases, the local district office will evaluate and make an individual determination based on the specific situation, likely relying on information about the increase in patient volumes, patient acuity and measures the hospital has implemented to ease the surge.
Recent CHA News articles related to the flu outbreak, including advisories from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:
- California Department of Public Health to Convene Influenza Update Calls for Providers (Jan. 16)
- Requirements Issued for Requesting Flexibility to Accommodate Increase in Patients (Jan. 16)
- Provider Alert Reports No Statewide Shortage of Antiviral Medications (Jan. 11)
- Guidance Reiterates Flu Prevention, Control in Long-Term Care Facilities (Jan. 10)
- Flu Advisory Reminds Providers of Local, State Reporting (Jan. 8)
- CDC Issues Influenza A Health Advisory (Jan. 2)
For more information from the California Department of Public Health, visit its dedicated influenza web page.
