4 flu preparedness lessons from the 1918 pandemic

The 1918 influenza pandemic offers health officials today several lessons on infection prevention and disease control, according to a study published Oct. 8 in Borders of cellular and infectious microbiology.

For this study, researchers analyzed numerous influenza studies to identify the human, viral, and societal factors that fueled the 1918 influenza pandemic, killing 50 million people.

"Like the 1918 pandemic, the severity of any future outbreak will result from a complex interplay of viral, host, and social factors," said the author of the study, Carolien van de Sandt, researcher at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne. Australia, said Science Daily. "Understanding these factors is vital for preparing for an influenza pandemic."

Here are four lessons from the 1918 influenza pandemic, as described by researchers:

1. Perform regular viral surveillance. The viral strain responsible for the 1918 pandemic could infect tissues outside the respiratory tract and contain mutations that facilitate its spread between humans. Today, scientists can analyze new strains of viruses to determine pandemic potential, a practice that is more important than ever in the context of climate change, according to the researchers.

"Climate change is affecting influenza virus animal reservoirs and bird migration patterns, which could spread viruses to new places and among more species of birds," he said. said Dr. van de Sandt. Science Daily.

2 Address public health issues. A century ago, people who were malnourished or had underlying health problems were more likely to die of the flu. Current public health problems, such as obesity, could pose a problem for future pandemics and cause a higher death toll.

3 Consider demographic data. The 1918 pandemic had a disproportionate effect on young adults, not seniors. The researchers suggest that the elderly population had greater immunity against the 1918 flu strain due to earlier exposure to the virus.

"The provision of emergency vaccines in future pandemics should take into account different age groups, viral factors and hosts," said Katherine Kedzierska, PhD, author of the study and researcher at the University of Toronto. Doherty Institute. Science Daily.

4 Be proactive with methods of infection control. Infection control measures, such as banning public gatherings and promoting handwashing, helped reduce infection levels and the number of deaths during the 1918 pandemic. The measures are only effective if the interventions were implemented early and used throughout the pandemic.

"Until a vaccine offering broad protection is available, governments must inform the public what to expect and how to respond to a pandemic," he said. said Dr. van de Sandt. Science Daily. "One of the important lessons of the 1918 influenza pandemic is that a well-prepared public response can save many lives."

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:

FDA: Adults under 45 years old now eligible for HPV vaccine

25 hospitals rewarded for their clinical performance

The CMS readmission reduction program is not related to increased mortality at the hospital

© Copyright ASC COMMUNICATIONS 2018. Interested in linking or reprinting this content? Look at our policies by clicking here.