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Review
. 2005 Jul-Sep;3(3):61-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.dmr.2005.05.002.

Pandemic influenza: are we ready?

Affiliations
Review

Pandemic influenza: are we ready?

Sandro Cinti. Disaster Manag Response. 2005 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

An influenza pandemic is inevitable, and the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Southeast Asia has heightened concern that a disaster is imminent. Pandemic preparations are beginning around the world, and it is important for first responders, particularly disaster management personnel, to understand the difference between pandemic and epidemic influenza preparedness. This article will focus on distinguishing between an influenza epidemic and an influenza pandemic and, in light of these distinctions, how to manage the next pandemic with limited resources, particularly the absence of vaccine.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
World Health Organization nomenclature for influenza viruses. Note that host of origin is indicated only if strain is isolated from nonhumans. (From the World Health Organization. A revision of the system of nomenclature for influenza viruses: a WHO memorandum. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 1980;58:585-91.)

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