Pandemic influenza: are we ready?
An influenza pandemic is inevitable, and the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Southeast Asia has heightened concern that a disaster is imminent. Pandemic preparations are beginning around the world, and it is important for first responders, particularly disaster management personnel, to understand the difference between pandemic and epidemic influenza preparedness. This article will focus on distinguishing between an influenza epidemic and an influenza pandemic and, in light of these distinctions, how to manage the next pandemic with limited resources, particularly the absence of vaccine.
University of Michigan Hospitals/Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, 48105, USA. scinti@umich.edu
Sandro
S
Cinti
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines