Clinical and Public Health Guidance

Clinician Guidance
CDC has issued interim guidance for clinicians on identifying and caring for patients with 2018 H7N9 virus infection, in addition to providing interim guidance on the use of antiviral drugs. Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including pandemic influenza A(H7N9) virus. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak is to treat suspected/confirmed cases of pandemic H7N9 early (within 2 days of illness) as well as treating severe influenza illness, including people who are hospitalized or sick people who are considered at high risk of serious influenza-related complications. Early treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor (an antiviral drug) is recommended for all outpatients and hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed H7N9 virus infection.

Public Guidance
CDC has provided guidance for the public on what to do if they become sick with flu-like symptoms, including infection with 2018 pandemic  H7N9 virus. CDC also has issued instructions on taking care of a sick person at home.  2018 H7N9 virus infection has been reported to cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Everyone should take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, including practicing social distancing and appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene, including frequent hand washing. In addition, people who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further spread of the disease.

Testing
CDC has developed a PCR diagnostic test kit to detect  2018 H7N9 pandemic virus. On September 6, 2018, the first lot of kits became available for distribution to public health laboratories in the U.S. and internationally. This has helped states and other countries to test for the new virus. An increase in testing will likely result in an increase in the number of confirmed cases of illness reported.