title: Lessons learned from the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic.
abstract: The 1918 influenza pandemic was one of the most virulent strains of influenza in history. Phylogenic evidence of the novel H1N1 strain of influenza discovered in Mexico last spring (2009) links it to the 1918 influenza strain. With information gained from analyzing viral genetics, public health records and advances in medical science we can confront the 2009 H1N1 influenza on a global scale. The paper analyses the causes and characteristics of a pandemic, and major issues in controlling the spread of the disease. Wide public vaccination and open communication between government and health sciences professionals will be an essential and vital component in managing the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and any future pandemics.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University Southeast, 247 Life Science Building, New Albany, IN 47150 USA.
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hollenbeck
keywords: 1976 Swine flu scare; 2009 H1N1 influenza; Avian influenza; Epidemiology; H1N1 influenza; H3N1 influenza; Influenza; Pandemic; Public health; Swine influenza; Vaccination