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| Credit CDC FluView |
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With seasonal influenza well entrenched across the nation, the CDC will hold a COCA (Clinicians Outreach and Communication Activity) call tomorrow afternoon with their latest recommendations. Primarily of interest to clinicians and healthcare providers, COCA (Clinician Outreach Communication Activity) calls are designed to ensure that practitioners have up-to-date information for their practices.
Tomorrow's presentation will also introduce a new content delivery platform (Adobe Connect) - which allows for access via a mobile app - as well as through your browser.
If you intend to view via the app, you'll want to download it in advance. The CDC described this new Webinar delivery system, and how to get the app, in an email earlier this week:
COCA's New Webinar System
COCA is excited to announce that we will be switching COCA Calls to the Adobe Connect webinar platform! Our first call using Adobe Connect will be 2016-2017 Influenza Season Activity and Recommendations for Clinicians, this Thursday, February 16, from 2–3 pm (Eastern Time). You do not need to register for this webinar.
To view the webinar, you will need the latest version of Flash installed on your computer. Remember that if you are unable to access the webinar, the slides will be available for download on the call’s webpage and you may call in to participate.
Although you will now be able to hear the webinar audio through Adobe Connect, you will need to call in using the numbers provided in order to ask the presenters questions over the phone. You will still be able to ask questions through the webinar system by typing questions into the Q&A box that will be available during the webinar.
Mobile users: You can now view the webinar on your mobile devices! Download the app now so you have it before the webinar, or click the Adobe Connect webinar link a few minutes before the COCA Call begins and follow the prompts to download the app. Remember that you can type and submit questions to the presenters through the Adobe Connect app and you will need to dial in to ask questions through the phone lines.
Details of tomorrow's COCA call follow:
Date:Thursday, February 16, 2017
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Call-In:
888-469-3010 (U.S.Callers)
1-773-756-4803 (International Callers) Passcode: 3607519 Webinar: https://adobeconnect.cdc.gov/r1oyvv2zzb1/
Overview
Influenza activity in the United States began to increase in early December, remained elevated through mid-January, and is expected to continue for several more weeks. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been most common this season, and influenza A(H3N2)-predominant seasons are often associated with more severe illness, particularly among young children and people 65 years and older.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older, and is the best way to prevent influenza. Available evidence consistently indicates that antiviral treatment, when initiated as early as possible, can be a useful second line of defense to treat influenza illness when indicated and can reduce severe outcomes of influenza. During this COCA Call, clinicians will learn about 2016 –2017 influenza activity to date, and hear an overview of CDC’s recommendations for healthcare providers including influenza vaccination and the use of antiviral medications for the treatment of influenza.
Objectives
At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to accomplish the following:
- Describe the current status of influenza activity in the United States.
- Explain the circulating influenza strains seen this season and the implications for clinicians.
- Discuss antiviral treatment of influenza and implications for patient evaluation, testing, and treatment.
Presenter(s)
Angela Campbell, MD, MPH
Medical Officer
Influenza Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Alicia P. Budd, MPH
Epidemiologist
Influenza Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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