title: [The pandemic--an afterthought].
abstract: During the second half of 2009 the Norwegian people experienced the first pandemic influenza since the Hong-Kong disease in 1968. The pandemic was initially believed to be severe, but it soon became evident that the disease was milder than anticipated. In spite of this the health authorities increased the level of threat and recommended general vaccination and exempt of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) from prescription requirements. In the paper we critically evaluate the evidence-base and consequences of these recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Mikrobiologisk avdeling, Haukeland universitetssykehus og Gades Institutt, Universitetet i Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway. elling.ulvestad@helse-bergen.no
authors.forename: Elling
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ulvestad
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Swensen
authors.forename: Gunnar Skov
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Simonsen
authors.forename: Edvin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schei
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000266:history; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D053139:Oseltamivir / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D053139:Oseltamivir