fied, and the rapid exchange of information globally. The following immunologic and molecular questions were addressed as well: What basic research advances would allow us to respond more rapidly after the next human pandemic strain is detected? Is the presence of novel influenza A virus in pigs a predictor of the next influenza pandemic? Is an H2 influenza virus the next human pandemic subtype...

In Italy, the arrival of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus triggered an integrated response that was mainly based on the 2006 National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan. In this article we analyse the main activities implemented for epidemiological surveillance, containment and mitigation of the pandemic influenza and the lesson learned from this experience. Overall, from week 31 ...

fied, and the rapid exchange of information globally. The following immunologic and molecular questions were addressed as well: What basic research advances would allow us to respond more rapidly after the next human pandemic strain is detected? Is the presence of novel influenza A virus in pigs a predictor of the next influenza pandemic? Is an H2 influenza virus the next human pandemic subtype...

OBJECTIVE To assess the adequacy of preparedness planning for an influenza pandemic by modeling the pediatric surge capacity of healthcare facility and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) requirements over time. Governments and Public Health authorities have planned preparedness activities and training for a flu pandemic. PICU facilities will be the limiting factor in healthcare provision for ...

Avian influenza A H5N1 continues to be a major threat to global public health as it is a likely candidate for the next influenza pandemic. To protect public health and avert potential disruption to the economy, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has committed substantial effort in preparedness for avian and pandemic influenza. Public health infrastructures for emerging infec...

The emergence of H1N1 in 2009 shows that it is a mistake to regard the scenario of having to implement pandemic plans as merely hypothetical. This recent experience provides an opportunity to inquire into the current state of pandemic preparedness plans with regard to their ethical adequacy. One aspect that deserves consideration in this context is the disclosure of ethical reasoning. According...

BACKGROUND When an influenza pandemic occurs most of the population is susceptible and attack rates can range as high as 40-50 %. The most important failure in pandemic planning is the lack of standards or guidelines regarding what it means to be 'prepared'. The aim of this study was to assess the preparedness of acute hospitals in the Republic of Ireland for an influenza pandemic from an infec...

Since the first influenza A (H1N1) case in Ireland on April 27th 2009, the H1N1 pandemic has increased demands on the Irish healthcare system and its health professionals. Following the announcement of a pandemic by the WHO in June 2009, a survey was conducted in three Irish hospitals during July and August 2009 to assess preparedness levels among doctors. The questionnaire assessed knowledge a...

Influenza is a viral respiratory disease capable of causing epidemics that represent a threat for global security. Mexico was the first country to notify the WHO of an outbreak of what later became the first influenza pandemic of the 21st Century, caused by the virus A(H1N1)2009. Before this event Mexico had a national pandemic influenza preparedness plan, which included seasonal influenza vacc...

From 16 November 2009 to 22 January 2010, Taiwan investigated 23 clusters of mass psychogenic illness after vaccination (MPIV) in the nationwide in-school vaccination programme against the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1). The median age of the 350 ill students (68% female) was 13 years. Intense media coverage of these events has driven public concerns about the safety of the pandemic influenza ...