title: Are we prepared to help low-resource communities cope with a severe influenza pandemic?
abstract: Recent research involving lab-modified H5N1 influenza viruses with increased transmissibility and the ongoing evolution of the virus in nature should remind us of the continuing importance of preparedness for a severe influenza pandemic. Current vaccine technology and antiviral supply remain inadequate, and in a severe pandemic, most low-resource communities will fail to receive adequate medical supplies. However, with suitable guidance, these communities can take appropriate actions without substantial outside resources to reduce influenza transmission and care for the ill. Such guidance should be completed, and support provided to developing countries to adapt it for their settings and prepare for implementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Nutrition, Save the Children, Westport, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Starbuck
authors.forename: Rudolph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: von Bernuth
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bolles
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koepsell
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D002959:Civil Defense / Q000379:methods*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058873:Pandemics / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: Developing countries; influenza; nonpharmaceutical interventions; pandemic; preparedness; public health