Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Respond Swiftly To Swine Flu Outbreak

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Respiratory / Asthma;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 30 Apr 2009 - 9:00 PDT


Health officials have alerted all healthcare providers to be prepared to treat all suspected cases of swine flu, educate the public and report confirmed cases to their state health departments. On Wednesday, April 29, 2009, the first confirmed death in the United States was reported from a 23-month-old toddler in TX. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are on the front lines of defense when identifying patients with swine flu. Th! e first case of swine flu reported in the state of Ohio was diagnosed by Sally Fenik, a pediatric nurse practitioner from EMH Regional Medical Center.

"PNPs are taking center stage in this unfortunate outbreak of swine flu. As a parent and PNP I am saddened to learn of the death of the 23-month-old toddler. Although this infection is mild in most individuals it can be extremely serious. Teaching good hygiene and reassuring families will be very important as this outbreak continues" said Linda Lindeke, PhD, RN, CPNP, NAPNAP President.

NAPNAP supports the nationwide call for swift action and encourages all PNPs and other healthcare providers to report all cases of swine flu to the proper authorities immediately.

Source
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

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