June 2010: CDC Proposes New H1N1 Flu Guidance For Health Workers

In a June 22 notice with comment period, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a proposal for updating its 2010-2011 influenza season guidance. The new interim guidance recommends that health care workers obtain vaccinations and wear N95 respirators only when participating in aerosol-generating procedures, such as a bronchoscopy. Comments on the proposal are due by July 22. The CDC also requested comment on a draft guideline for the prevention and control of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in health care settings, including isolating patients who have contracted the virus, frequent hand washing, transferring infected patients, and closing wards where the virus has been active. Comments on the draft guideline should be submitted to HCNoro@cdc.gov by July 16.