Guest Author - Anita Grace Simpson

In July, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released information about the current state of our nation’s readiness for the potentially deadly avian flu. Many government agencies are working together on these plans, including the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), the National Institutes of Health(NIH), the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists(CSTE), and state and local governments. In addition, international agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) provide monitoring of cases throughout the world, which may help predict the development of a virulent strain that would quickly become pandemic.

The first human vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April, 2007. Although this vaccine will not be matched precisely to a future pandemic strain (the virus will have mutated by then), it will still be beneficial in the early months of the pandemic. However, it is an egg-based vaccine, and as such it cannot be used for anyone with allergies to eggs or with eczema.

Other vaccines, some of which avoid the problems of egg-based vaccines, are being developed. Companies that manufacture vaccines have received incentives from HHS, WHO, and other agencies for research and development of new flu vaccine. Even non-egg vaccines are problematic for people whose immune systems do not work well, such as individuals with AIDS and transplant patients who take anti-rejection drugs. For these people, antiviral drugs are crucial.

H5N1 is resistant to some antiviral drugs, but it does respond to others, and these drugs are being stored by the Federal government and by the States for future use. At the time of the July announcement, stores of antiviral drugs had not yet reached the amount desired, but production continues.

Other aspects of pandemic preparedness, such as communications, health care capacity, and vaccine allocation have also been discussed and modeled at many levels of government. For instance, at one meeting officials of the press, government, and airlines considered how to handle the arrival of a passenger from a pandemic area. Another conference gathered together officials from several large cities to discuss how a pandemic would affect the cities’ daily activities. Depending on the severity of the pandemic, citizens might be encouraged to stay at home, schools might be closed, some offices and shops might temporarily cease operations.

Clearly, governments are working hard to protect their citizens from a potential H5N1 pandemic. However, individuals and families need to prepare as well. Emergency preparedness for a pandemic is very similar to that for other disasters, so it is beneficial whether or not the pandemic ever arrives. Are you prepared? If not, visit the link below for checklists you can follow. And remember – prepare for the worst, but expect the best!