INSIDE THE 2009 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC

The 2009 influenza pandemic, like all emerging infections, had unique characteristics and challenges. This book examines the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and outcome of the 2009 pandemic as compared to seasonal influenza and previous pandemics in both developed and developing countries. Consideration is given to the effectiveness of pre-pandemic planning in mitigating the severity of the disease and what can be done differently to lessen the impact of the next pandemic. As such, the book is designed to provide insight about what can be done going forward to further impact the morbidity and mortality due to both seasonal and pandemic influenza and many of these lessons can be applied to other emerging infections.

There are many lessons to be learned from the 2009 pandemic. This book not only describes what happened in the 2009 pandemic, but also what can be done to better prepare for the next pandemic. Issues discussed include what components of the pandemic planning were effective and which were not. Additionally, the book describes research studies and policy changes that: 1) are needed to better predict the occurrence and severity of a pandemic; 2) improve prevention and treatment modalities; and 3) enable better communication with the public about actions they can take to protect themselves, families and communities.