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Article: Pandemic influenza: a brief history and primer: the avian flu, a virulent strain of type A influenza, threatens to cause the next pandemic. Although antivirals are effective, the most appropriate dosage has yet to be determined--and creating a large enough supply could be another stumbling block.(Cover story)
- Article from:
- JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants
- Article date:
- January 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Influenza pandemics have struck repeatedly over the centuries. The 1918 flu caused the greatest morbidity and mortality to date; the fear now is that avian influenza may cause as great a pandemic. While there are numerous options for preventing and treating influenza, shortages of vaccines and antiviral drugs, as well as the apparent high dosages needed to treat avian flu, may require rationing of these drugs. The challenge to public health agencies and clinicians is to be prepared for the inevitable outbreak.
A potentially severe outbreak of influenza could easily impact the entire world population. According to Julie Gerberding, MD, Director of the CDC, "Today, ...