The H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic: insights into its dynamics from different types of epidemiological data

For the assessment of the transmission potential and the severity of the recent H1N1 (2009) influenza pandemic, a series of different types of epidemiological data were used. We describe the way these data have been employed to estimate some key epidemiological parameters of the pandemic. A preliminary statistical analysis of European data related to Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) provided interesting insights into the severity of the pandemic as this was manifested in Europe.JRC.G.2-Global security and crisis managemen

Managing Influenza in Primary Care: A Practical Guide to Clinical Diagnosis

Influenza remains a significant cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. With the availability of new effective antivirals for the treatment of influenza, early diagnosis of the disease will become increasingly important for effective disease management. Although investigators are generally in broad agreement about the symptoms of influenza, there are currently no agreed guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of influenza during annual outbreaks. This paper outlines the recommendations of a Working Party (comprising virologists and family practitioners) who met to construct criteria that could be used by primary healthcare professionals to aid early clinical diagnosis of influenza, i.e. before the development of any complications. A virologically confirmable diagnosis of influenza is likely when an otherwise healthy adult presents, during a known local influenza outbreak, with rapid onset of the symptom complex of fever, feverishness or chills plus myalgia, cough or malaise. Guidelines for the diagnosis of influenza in children, in patients with chronic diseases and in the elderly require further refinement.Elderly, Influenza virus infections, Pharmacoeconomics, Practice guideline

Lessons learnt from pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccination: highlights of a European workshop in Brussels (22 March 2010)

This European workshop identified a number of lessons learnt in the field of vaccine licensure, prioritisation of target groups, communication on pandemic vaccines, implementation of vaccination and safety monitoring. The mild severity of the pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza virus influenced the perception of pandemic vaccines, as previous pandemic preparedness had anticipated a more virulent virus. This vaccination experience provides an important opportunity for research on the long-term immunogenicity and safety of pandemic vaccines in pregnant women and children, as well as on the long-term safety of adjuvants. Preparedness for future pandemics could involve improved decision-making on target groups and increased communication on vaccine safety