Avian influenza: are we ready?

We cannot be certain when the next influenza pandemic will emerge, or even whether it will be caused by avian influenza (H5N1) or some unrelated virus. However, we can be certain that an influenza pandemic will occur. The United States is leading the scientific effort to contain the pandemic through vaccine studies and antiviral studies. The need for pandemic influenza preparedness is extensive and expensive. Planning entails increased development of antivirals and vaccines, effective surveillance systems not only for people, but in agriculture, effective communication systems, plans to continue essential services, identification of health care priorities, and thorough guidelines for care. Critical care nurses, as well as all health care professionals, need to consider where their personal and professional obligations meet and end. There should already be discussions of contingency plan of the institution in which they are employed and the community in which they live. Additionally, a personal plan for their families with regard to economics, safety, and optimizing personal health outcomes during such a crisis should be considered. As many have said, "It is not a matter of if, but rather of when." Although the pandemic might not be the avian flu, history has taught us that pandemics surface with little warning and can have devastating effects on human lives, and can over tax the already fragile health care system.