Question

An influenza pandemic in 1918 killed millions of people. Experts suggest a similar pandemic of influenza is highly likely. As an epidemiologist and expert in outbreaks, what measures would you take to prevent the next major influenza pandemic? Do you think the measures would be most effective at the local, state, or federal levels, or at a combination of them? Why?

Answer 1

In 1918 ,the influenze pandemic was one of the severe pandemic in recent history , caused by an H1 N1 virus with genes of avians origin

As an experts , the following measures are suggested to prevent next in fluenza pandemic.

1. Global surveillance - Timely detection of diseases , Closing Gaps in global surveillance by increasing surveillance capacity between nations which may give early reporting of diseases , this could provide an early warning for an emerging pandemic outbreak.

2. Integrate animal and public health communities - Better co ordination and communucation between veterinary and medical researcher and public health official would help in decresing the implications of animal disease .

3. Increasing the demand for immunization and anti viral  therapy - The increasing government role, public awareness , increasing physician experiences with anti viral medication would help to reduce such pandemic

4. Increasing the stock of anti  viral drugsand vaccines by increasing the investment in the production of suchdrugs and medicines

5. Increasing research and development activities ,  by establishing protocols for prevention of  such pandemic

These measures would be helpful if there is co ordination between different levels and branches of government. at national , state or local level. The government should improve communication regarding the spread of influenza.

- guidelines for infections control

- improving hospital capacity

- mass dispensing of vaccines

- containment measures like closure of public places

If there is any lack of co ordination then it would be difficult to prevent spread of such disease in near future.