H1N1 Flu and HIV Webinar Highlights

By Miguel Gomez

Nearly 850 participants joined AIDS.gov online and/or via conference call last week to hear from leading experts and local grantees about H1N1 Preparedness and HIV. On the webinar we heard from our Federal colleagues, CDC’s Dr. John Brooks, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Dr. Elizabeth Higgs, along with Ryan White grantees such as Iliana Gilliland from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago , Paul Stabile of The William F. Ryan Community Health Center in New York City, and Dr. Shannon Hader and Beverly Pritchett from the DC Department of Health.

The webinar shared information about the basic facts about H1N1, how it relates to HIV, and what we can do to support H1N1 preparedness in our communities. We’ve provided this information in multiple formats, so you can listen to the audio recording, read the transcript, and visit the many resources and websites mentioned on the call.

Federal Flu Resources

• Flu.gov
• Flu.gov on Twitter
• Flu.gov on Facebook
• CDWhat Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About the Novel H1N1 Flu (formerly called swine flu) (CDC)
• Interim Guidance-HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents: Considerations for Clinicians Regarding Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (CDC)
• NIAID 2009 H1N1 Influenza Research Program

H1N1 Flu and HIV Webinar

• Listen to the Webinar
• Read the Transcript

Our colleagues at HHS and CDC have developed several new media tools, including ecards, widgets, web badges, and are keeping people up-to-date about H1N1 on Twitter , Facebook , and MySpace , as well. And as we mentioned in last week’s post, there is a new podcast on Novel H1N1 Flu and HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents featuring Dr. Brooks.

On the local level, Iliana told us, “We are making sure that providers have the Federal guidelines and other fact sheets.” She also said they are educating and encouraging their staff to get the vaccine (when it’s available) and they are making every effort to stay informed and be prepared. Paul from New York talked about protocols they have developed in case they get an influx of potential influenza patients. “In terms of our HIV patients,” he said, “We’ve started the education process for our medical staff as well as our support staff including case managers and social workers.” Shannon and Beverly from DC told us “to learn about the pandemic flu and take action now.” They reminded all of us not to panic, but to remember the basics: “Cover your cough, wash your hands, and if you’re sick, stay home”.

PDF from CDC, "Information about the Flu -including the new H1N1 Flu- for People with Certain Medical Conditions"

The webinar provided an opportunity for us to not only hear from our colleagues at the Federal and local levels, but to hear from you, the community about your concerns and questions. As one participant told us, “This is a great forum for getting information across to a wide group of people.” But the dialogue and the learning doesn’t stop here. As all the presenters mentioned, we need to “be prepared and stay informed”.

Questions about H1N1? Please visit Flu.gov and use the “Ask the Experts” feature.

Comments

[Simon]

Great site, thanks.

I have lost friends through HIV, and with the rapid spread of the H1N1 strain of flu, am concerned of the
affect this may have, especially if it mutates into a more powerful form (which is anticipated).

In the UK there is still a lot to be learnt in terms of organising local support functions.

Thanks again.