Archives of medical research
-
Review Historical Article
Lessons from previous influenza pandemics and from the Mexican response to the current influenza pandemic.
Better understanding of the events occurring during prior influenza pandemics, particularly the 1918 pandemic, and the realization that another pandemic was inevitable and likely to occur early in the 21(st) century, have helped in preparedness planning. In Mexico, pandemic flu preparedness was critical and undoubtedly paid off once a new influenza pandemic was identified in April 2009, but it also became apparent that these plans required flexibility and significant adjustments as the epidemic evolved. ⋯ In addition, we highlight various issues that should be addressed among countries and by the international community before the next influenza pandemic occurs. There have been many lessons learned but the one we cannot forget is that complacency is dangerous and not acceptable when confronting the threat of an influenza pandemic.
-
The ongoing influenza A (H1N1) pandemic stroked Mexico and posed a huge challenge to the medical care and public health systems. This report analyzes the clinical course and process of care of patients who died due to atypical pneumonia and fulfilled the clinical criteria of suspected case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. ⋯ An increased number of severe cases of atypical pneumonia in previously healthy adults highlight the importance of the availability of a timely surveillance system able to identify sudden increases in the number of cases or presentation of apparently known diseases.
-
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported, as of September 2009, that the influenza A (H1N1) influenza pandemic has originated >300,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and 3917 deaths in 191 countries. It is recognized that pandemic vaccines have their greatest impact as a preventive strategy when administered before or near the peak incidence of cases in an outbreak. Therefore, vaccination campaigns should be in place when influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccines are available. We undertook this study to provide updated information on clinical evaluation of influenza A (H1N1) vaccines and review recommendations for influenza A (H1N1) vaccination campaigns and public health policy. ⋯ The present pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) has shown mild to moderate severity. Vaccination strategies in Mexico will have the objective of decreasing severe outcomes, slowing transmission, protecting groups at increased risk of infection, complications, or death, and preventing overload of health services. Control of the pandemic should include reinforcement of other non-pharmacologic measures of mitigation and, importantly, an adequate strategy of social communication.