HEADLINE: Lessons learned, City prepares for a resurgence of swine flu

SUMMARY:  New York City hospitals are beginning to take steps to prepare for the potential surge of swine flu cases this fall. Because of significant overcrowding this spring with patients concerned about flu-like symptoms, screening areas are being set up to prevent emergency rooms from being overwhelmed. “I think we were a little surprised at how many people were coming to emergency rooms,” said NYC health commissioner, Dr. Thomas A. Farley.

STORY LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/nyregion/21flu.html

HEADLINE: Baxter hits limit on swine flu vaccine orders

SUMMARY: Baxter International has announced that it will no longer be accepting orders for swine flu vaccines. Baxter, the only U.S.-based company producing the H1N1 vaccine, has taken orders  from five countries -- including Britain, Ireland and New Zealand -- for a total of 80 million doses. A percentage of the vaccines being produced by all companies will be held by the World Health Organization to address international needs.

STORY LINK: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34785

ANALYSIS:  Ongoing coverage of H1N1 influenza illuminates some issues that are not so much news but rather an observation of fact – hard realities if you will.  Nationally, emergency departments are experiencing overcrowding as myriad factors drive patients there to seek not only emergency care, but routine treatment as well.  Seasonal influenza always adds to this already burdensome workload.  Factor in that there will likely be at least two flu strains come autumn – H1N1 and whatever seasonal variety emerges – and the increased demand for emergency department services is likely to be significant.

The flu-related influx this past spring was unanticipated, being outside the normal cycle of seasonal influenza.  A surge in healthcare demand can be expected later in the year, which points to the need for advance planning and coordination.  Major factors in that preparation are the limited production capacity for a vaccine – Baxter has already reached its order limit, as cited in the story above -- and the uncertain efficacy of antivirals for the particular strains.

Public health, hospitals, community health centers, private practices, and other sources of healthcare (schools, union-sponsored clinics, faith-based organizations, etc.) should be planning to address the anticipated influx.  This should include the designation of alternate sites for flu-related issues -- reducing overcrowding and segregating potentially infectious patients from those with other issues – and extensive advance public education on these steps.

Businesses, families, and individuals would do well to similarly identify sources of healthcare other than the already overcrowded emergency department.  The fact remains that no one can predict what flu season will bring.  Even in the best of years, seasonal influenza taxes the healthcare delivery system.  Whether this year is typical or epic in impact, knowing where to seek medical treatment can make the difference between an experience unpleasant by nature and being trapped in an overcrowded, overtaxed and emotionally strenuous emergency department.