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According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) surveillance data, during the 1999-2000 season, the overall national percentage of respiratory specimens positive for influenza peaked at 33% during week 51 (December 25). During the previous 3 years, the peak ranged from 28% to 34%. Although the optimal time for influenza vaccination is October through mid-November, the CDC recommends that health-care providers continue to offer influenza vaccine up to and even after influenza activity has been detected in the community, particularly to those persons at high risk for influenza-related complications. Short-term prophylaxis with amantadine or rimantadine can be offered after local outbreaks of influenza type A have been reported in a community. Appropriate specimens for respiratory viral cultures include bronchoscopy specimens, sputum, throat swabs or washings, and nasopharyngeal swabs or washings submitted in viral transport media. |
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