Preparing for pandemic influenza: revisit the basics.
OBJECTIVE
This paper attempts to address the global concern of the possible pandemic of influenza and avian influenza. In doing this, some unfounded beliefs related to influenza vaccines and antiviral treatment and prophylaxis are explored. This study also describes the essential measures for getting prepared.


BACKGROUND
Based on the current epidemiology, availability of vaccines, antiviral prophylaxis and treatment and experience from SARS outbreak, the authors suggested that basic infection control measures should be emphasized to prepare for the pandemic. These measures include personal and environmental hygiene, surveillance and infection control precautions and education.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors provide evidence and explanations to demystify pandemic influenza and recommend measures that help to prevent cross infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the preparedness is everyone's business, nurses play a crucial and indispensable role in this exercise. With prepared personnel, facilities and good infection control practices, nosocomial spread of the disease and pandemic can be prevented.
Chan
Wai Fong
WF
Infection Control Team, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong.
Wong
Thomas Ks
TK
D002423:Cause of Death; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004782:Environmental Health; D014943:Global Health; D006266:Health Education; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D017053:Infection Control; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012621:Seasons; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D007252:Influenza Vaccines