Information from the Tulane Flu Task Force

Novel Influenza A (H1N1), formerly referred to as swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. This type of influenza does not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with Influenza A (H1N1) have occurred, as is occurring now.
The current outbreak involves spreading infection from one person to others.

Information you can use

The Flu Emergency Task Force recommends the following resources for information about Influenza A (H1N1). 

H1N1 Flu (CDC Topic Page)

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You (CDC)

Information on H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Louisiana DHH)

Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (CDC)

Tips for Healthcare Professionals 
from the Institutes of Medicine

Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine - Q&A

Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine (MMWR)

Early results from vaccine clinical trails
from U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services

COMMON SENSE
ABOUT THE H1N1 VIRUS

August 28, 2009 --  Fall season is flu season in the United States," says Maureen Lichtveld, chair of the Tulane Flu Task Force.  "In many parts of the country including Louisiana, flu season coincides with allergies, changing weather patterns and the common cold, increasing the risk especially for vulnerable populations."

Read more

Also see:

May 1, 2009 - Tulane Forms Flu Emergency Task Force

U.S. Updates

The following sites provide current information about the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. and U.S. response.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

www.flula.com (Louisiana DHH)

H1N1 Declared National Emergency

Global Resources

This site provides current information about where Influenza A (H1N1) has been reported worldwide and the number of confirmed or suspected cases.

http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ (Disease Outbreak News)

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html (World Health Organization page about H1N1)

Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública - in Spanish
(The above link takes you to the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico.  The School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has a strong working relationship with researchers there.)

Media Inquiries

Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine can provide expertise in a variety of areas related to influenza, disease transmission, and public health concerns. 

Please direct all media inquiries to Mike Strecker, director of public relations, at 504-865-5210 or mstreck@tulane.edu.  You may also visit the Tulane Newsroom at: http://newsroom.tulane.edu/

About Us:

The Flu Emergency Task Force is chaired by Maureen Lichtveld, chair of the Department of Environmental Health Systems, and consists of faculty from the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and the School of Medicine; medical staff from Tulane University Hospital and Clinic; and representatives from the Dean's Office, the Office of Emergency Response, and University Public Relations.