State Public Health Pre-Positioning Antiviral Medications

DENVER –The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, working closely with local and federal health officials, is working today to move antiviral medications received from the Strategic National Stockpile to 13 locations around the state.

“We expect we may identify more Colorado cases of H1N1 flu,” said Ned Calonge, the state’s chief medical officer at the department.  In a continuing effort to stay ahead of the outbreak, he said, this pre-positioning move is a prudent step to get medicines and medical supplies distributed.  If and when additional cases surface in Colorado, the supplies will be accessible to local public health officials for dispersal.

Since the outbreak of H1N1, state public health officials and federal officials have arranged for delivery of 167,000 courses of the antiviral medication, Tamiflu, from the national stockpile. At this point, the medicine, distributed according to population, will be sent to the predetermined regional transfer points around the state.

“There is no reason to see a medical provider to get tested if you have mild symptoms of illness,” added Calonge.  “And, with mild symptoms, receiving antiviral treatment would shorten the duration of the illness only by a day or two.  People with mild symptoms should stay home until 24 hours after they symptoms have subsided.”

Prevention is still the key to avoiding illness.  Public health officials urge the public to take these important steps:

-     Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizers if soap and water are unavailable.

-     Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze, such as in the crook of your arm.

-     If you are sick, stay home from school or work.

For any questions regarding the flu, its spread or protective measures, you may call the CO-HELP line at 1-877-462-2911 for H1N1 virus information.