August 31, 2009 Flu Survival

If you or a family member get symptoms similar to the seasonal flu, (fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), the following steps should be taken [ release ]

August 14, 2009 Influenza Season Planning

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department opened its Department Operation Center (DOC) on August 10, 2009 in anticipation of a resurgence of Novel H1N1 Influenza this fall and winter season [ release ]

August 5, 2009: H1N1 Vaccination and Target Group [ provider update ]

This is an update for providers on what is currently known regarding H1N1 vaccination plans. [ update ]

August 5, 2009: H1N1 Flu – School Update [ update ]

This information is provided by the Public Health Department (PHD) to update school personnel on what is currently known regarding H1N1 vaccination plans. [ update ]

August 5, 2009: H1N1 Flu – FAQs

H1N1 Flu frequently asked Questions. [english] [español]

July 16, 2009: H1N1Flu and Preparation at SBCPHD [ provider alert ]

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has maintained constant surveillance activity since the onset of H1N1 Flu activity in California began in April 2009 [ [ alert ]

May 27, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and UC Santa Barbara health officials have reported a confirmed case of H1N1 flu in the county. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 21, 2009: Influenza A H1N1 (S-OIV) [ provider alert ]

Santa Barbara County’s first probable case Novel Influenza A H1N1 (S-OIV) - NOT confirmed. [ alert ]

May 21, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reports that state laboratory testing has ruled out the first probable case of H1N1 (S-OIV) flu identified in the county. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 15, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #10 (provider alert)

The first probable novel H1N1 virus has been identified in Santa Barbara County, from a Santa Maria child. [ alert ]

May 12, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #9 (provider alert)

The first probable case of the novel H1N1 (S-OIV)  Influenza A was identified by a positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for Influenza A as an untypeable H1 strain of the virus [ alert ]

May 12, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reports a probable case of H1N1 flu in the county. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 11, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #8 (provider alert)

No probable or confirmed cases in Santa Barbara County, however our enhanced lab testing shows that regular seasonal influenza (H1N1), (H3N2) and influenza B viruses are still circulating (at low levels) in our community [ alert ]

May 6, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

There continue to be no probable or confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Santa Barbara County. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 5, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #7 (provider alert)

There remain no probable or confirmed cases in Santa Barbara County. The CDC and CDPH have dramatically changed their guidance for response to school age cases. [ alert ]

May 5, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

At this time, there are currently no cases of H1 N1 flu in Santa Barbara County. The Center for Disease Control reported that there are 403 confirmed cases nationally as of 11:00 a.m. today ET. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 4, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

At this time, there are currently no cases of H1N1 S-OIV (Swine Flu) flu in Santa Barbara County. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 4, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #6 (provider alert)

There remain no probable or confirmed cases in Santa Barbara County as of Sunday, May 3rd. There are probable cases in Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. [ alert ]

May 1, 2009: Influenza H1N1 Provider Health Alert #5 (provider alert)

The latest State epidemiology report is very important because there are enough cases to begin to define the behavior of the virus. This appears to be a pediatric and young adult infection- 31% of cases are <10 years and 38% are 10-20 years old. [ alert ]

May 1, 2009: Swine Flu Update (press release)

At this time, there are currently no cases of H1N1 S-OIV (Swine Flu) flu in Santa Barbara County.  The Center for Disease Control reported that there are 141 confirmed cases nationally as of 11:00 a.m. today ET. [ release ] [ noticias ]

May 1, 2009: Swine Flu Information for Schools (school information)

All schools in Santa Barbara County are open. If a student has flu-like symptoms and has travelled to Mexico or any other areas affected by swine flu, they should be evaluated and tested by a physician. [ information ] [ información ]

May 1, 2009: Provider Health Alert Update (provider alert)

Please continue to view the SBC PHD website frequently for updates and links to pertinent sites and materials. www.sbcphd.org The points commented on below address local guidance based on the information provided by the CDC and CDPH. [ alert ]

April 30, 2009: pm Swine Flu Update (press release)

At this time, there are currently no cases of swine flu in Santa Barbara County.  The Centers for Disease Control reported that there are 109 confirmed cases in 11 states nationally as of 7:30 a.m. today PST.  [ release ] [ noticias ]

April 29, 2009: pm Swine Flu Update (press release)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) has been communicating with local physicians on procedures for testing for suspect cases of swine flu. [ release ] [ noticias ]

April 29, 2009: Swine Flu Provider Health Alert (provider alert)

Swine flu lab specimens collection and processing. [ alert ]

April 28, 2009: Provider Enhanced Weekly Flu Surveillance Bulletin

In an effort to keep our medical provider community updated on local, statewide and national trends during our “enhanced swine Flu surveillance period” [ bulletin ]

April 28, 2009: 4:00pm Swine Flu Update (press release)

No changes to numbers of confirmed cases reported by Centers for Disease Control. [ release ] [ noticias ]

April 28, 2009: 11:00am Swine Flu Update (press release)

At this time, NO cases are suspected or confirmed in Santa Barbara County or neighboring counties of Ventura or San Luis Obispo [ release ] [ noticias ]

April 27, 2009: Specimen Submittal Form for Swine Flu (lab form)

Public Health lab specimen submittal form is now available [ form ]

April 27, 2009: Current Situation and Case Definitions (provider alert)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a Health Advisory on the current situation and case definitions for the swine flu [ alert ]

April 27, 2009: Swine Flu Phone Line Established (press release)

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has established a phone line with information on the status of the swine flu outbreak [ release ] [ noticias]

April 27, 2009:  How does a Flu Virus Shift? (educational information)

Click the link provided for an educational illustration on the "Mechanisms of Influenza Virus Antigenic Shift” [ illustration ]

April 24, 2009: No Swine Flu Cases Reported (press release)

Santa Barbara County Public Health Department officials are closely monitoring the swine flu investigations underway in California, Texas and Mexico [ release ]

April 24, 2009: California Swine Flu (provider alert)

As of April 23, 2009, five California residents (three children and two adults) have been diagnosed with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection [ alert ]