Swine Flu - Information, Prevention & Treatment

Update, Sept. 1: There is renewed concern about the potential for the increased spread of "Swine Flu." In a conversation with DPH Commissioner Auerbach, he deemed the threat of this virus as very serious. Any programs working with groups of people in day programs, residential programs and shelters, etc. will want to take particular note and take all due precautionary measures. We will be active to keep you updated on new developments. Two items of note follow:

1. How to register with DPH to administer the H1N1 vaccine

A recently released memo from the Department of Public Health details the "Registration for Providers Interested in Receiving and Administering Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine." While you should read the memo carefully, the key factor to being eligible to apply as a site that can run an immunization program is that you can "identify a medical director for your organization or facility." The memo states the registration system will "go live some time in September."

The website for the registration process is expected to go fully live on September 2nd. The URL will be: www.mass.gov/dph/h1n1registration. Some information is available there now.

Please note: The phone number in the letterhead of the memo is incorrect. Call 617-983-6828 with any questions.

Once the vaccination sites are set, we will provide you with that information.

2. General information on H1N1 and other infectious diseases

For up-to-date information on preventive measures for the Swine Flu, please go to the Commonwealth's Department of Public Health website or the Center for Disease Control.

Update, August 13: There are now 1,387 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts.

Update, July 13: The DPH announced two Swine Flu-related deaths today. There have been more than 1,300 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts.

Update, June 8: There are now 940 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. As always, you can see below for past updates or for links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Public Health's blog.

Update, June 1: There are now 636 total confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. As always, you can see below for past updates or for links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Public Health's blog.

Update, May 26: There are now 350 total confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. As always, you can see below for past updates or for links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Public Health's blog.

Update, May 19: There are now 167 total confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. As always, you can see below for past updates or for links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Public Health's blog.

Update, May 13: There are now 107 total confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. As always, you can see below for past updates or for links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Department of Public Health's blog.

Update, May 11: There are now 101 total confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. Please see the below links to the DPH, WHO and CDC.

People should continue to be cautious to avoid flu transmission and follow precautions, such as frequent hand-washing, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home from work or school if you're sick.

Update, May 5: There are now 34 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Massachusetts. The links below to the DPH, WHO and CDC are still active.

Individuals should continue following protocols put forth by these organizations to help curb the spread of the Swine Flu (H1N1 influenza strain).

Update, April 30: As there have been two confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1 influenza strain) found in Massachusetts, the Providers' Council has compiled a list of resources to help you in the identification, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the Swine Flu virus.

All of these resources appear on other websites and may change without notice. The Council is linking to these pages as a resource for its members. See below the cut for a number of resources from the MA DPH, CDC and WHO.

A great resource especially pertinent to Massachusetts residents is this DPH Swine Flu Advisory, which can also be found below.