DIAGNOSIS OF SWINE FLU.

Appropriate treatment of patients with respiratory illness depends on accurate and timely
diagnosis. Clinicians should consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in any
person presenting with febrile respiratory illness.

If swine flu is suspected, clinicians should obtain a recent travel history to affected areas
(including New York City) and test anyone meeting the case definition for swine flu:

1. A person with an acute respiratory illness who was a close contact to a confirmed case of
swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection while the case was ill OR
2. A person with an acute respiratory illness with a recent history of contact with an animal with
confirmed or suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection OR
3. A person with an acute respiratory illness who has traveled to an area where there are
confirmed or probable cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) **INCLUDING TRAVEL TO NEW
YORK CITY

Definitions of Respiratory Illness from the NYS DOH:

1. Acute respiratory illness: Recent onset of at least two of the following:
-> rhinorrhea or nasal congestion
-> sore throat
-> cough
-> fever or feverishness
2. Influenza-like illness: fever >37.8°C (100°F) plus cough or sore throat.

Patients who meet the suspect case definition should be tested for influenza.