Advice for Clinicians

REPORTING

If you have an EVALI case to report, please complete the EVALI Case Report Form. The form can be emailed to epi@utah.gov or faxed to 801-538-9923. You can also call 801-538-6191 for more information.

For a summary of clinician guidance and for information on submitting clinical samples, click here.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CDC

Click here for the most recent guidance for health care providers from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

FLU SEASON AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Influenza testing should be strongly considered, particularly during influenza season. It might be difficult to differentiate EVALI, a diagnosis of exclusion, from influenza or community-acquired pneumonia on initial assessment, and EVALI might co-occur with respiratory infections.

Treatment with empiric antimicrobials, including antivirals, should be considered in accordance with established guidelines and local microbiology and resistance patterns for bacterial pneumonia. Persons with suspected influenza who are at high risk for influenza complications, those with severe or progressive illness, and hospitalized patients are recommended for prompt administration of antiviral treatment. Antiviral treatment also can be considered for any previously healthy, symptomatic outpatient not at high risk for influenza complications, who is diagnosed with confirmed or suspected influenza, on the basis of clinical judgment, if treatment can be initiated within 48 hours of illness onset.

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, including people who use e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Check out Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine for more information.