Flu vs Ebola: Know the Differences and Stay Informed

1. Ebola Facts November 3, 2014

2. Flu versus Ebola Early signs and symptoms of the flu and Ebola can be similar. The CDC has created a helpful infographic depicting the differences between the two viruses, including signs and symptoms, and methods of transmission. To download the infographic, go to the http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/is-it-flu-or-ebola.pdf Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This guidance is current as of Nov. 3, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/is-it-flu-or-ebola.pdf . Please see website for complete details.

5. Considerations for Discharging Individuals under Investigation for Ebola • Clinicians evaluating whether they should discharge a person under investigation (PUI) for Ebola who has not had a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test (i.e., RT-PCR testing for Ebola virus infection has not yet been performed or RT-PCR test result on a blood specimen collected less than 72 hours after onset of symptoms is negative) should consider: • In the clinical judgment of medical team, the PUI’s illness no longer appears consistent with Ebola. • The PUI is afebrile off antipyretics for 24 hours, or there is an alternative explanation for fever. • All symptoms compatible with Ebola have either resolved or can be accounted for by alternative diagnosis. • The PUI has no clinical lab results consistent with Ebola, or those that could be consistent with Ebola have been otherwise explained. • The PUI is able to self-monitor (or monitor a child, if PUI is a child) and comply fully with active monitoring and controlled movement guidelines. • There is a plan in place for the PUI to return for medical care if symptoms recur, which has been explained and understood by the PUI. • Local and state health departments have been engaged and concur. • Active monitoring and controlled movement guidelines apply for persons who have had Ebola exposures and are under follow-up as contacts for the full 21-day period following their last exposure. • Discharge decisions should be based on clinical and laboratory criteria and on the ability to monitor the individual after discharge, and made by the medical providers caring for the individual, along with the local and state health departments. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This guidance is current as of November 3, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/considerations-discharging-pui.html. Please see website for complete details.