MinuteClinic prepares to educate patients about swine flu

MINNEAPOLIS MinuteClinic is prepared to answer consumers’ questions about the swine flu (H1N1) and provide rapid testing services, treatment and prevention for all types of influenza when medically appropriate, the retail clinic operator announced Wednesday morning.

“Patients with positive influenza A test results can be treated by MinuteClinic nurse practitioners with the anti-viral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) to help them recover more quickly if they are seen within 48 hours of being symptomatic,” stated Troyen Brennan, CVS Caremark EVP and chief medical officer. “These are the same anti-viral medications the CDC recommends for the treatment of the swine strain.

MinuteClinic is coordinating with local health departments to establish working relationships for surveillance of swine flu cases.

Located inside select CVS/pharmacy stores in 25 states, MinuteClinic healthcare centers are staffed by masters-prepared nurse practitioners, the clinic operator noted, adding that seasonal influenza A is still active in most states.

In addition, MinuteClinic practitioners are updated daily on the latest World Health Organizations and Centers for Disease Control guidelines and protocols for diagnosing and treating swine flu.

A rapid flu test to check for influenza A can be administered at MinuteClinic, but it can’t diagnose the swine flu strain specifically. The test — administered as a simple nasal swab — takes five minutes and results are available immediately.

Any patient testing positive for influenza A who is suspected of having swine flu, such as those who have traveled to Mexico recently or live in a community with confirmed swine flu cases, will be treated. Any cases categorized as probable swine flu would also be reported to the local health department to coordinate confirmatory testing.

Anti-viral medication may also be prescribed for family members or other close contacts of anyone infected by the flu to help prevent the spread of the virus, Brennan said.

CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic are following the CDC recommendations for infection control at stores and clinics to prevent the spread of any influenza virus, including swine flu. This may include the use of masks, gowns and gloves when appropriate.