How to Control the Outbreak without H1N1 Flu Vaccine?

The influenza H1N1 outbreak is still ongoing. Significant numbers of cases were seen in New York with multiple school closures this week. How did the public, hospitals, doctor’s offices and the government respond to the challenge? Normally, the seasonal death rate for influenza averages 36,000 deaths per annum.

The public reacted in the expected way: panic and questions. According to the AMA News, many doctor’s offices were inundated with calls, faxes and visits to determine what was happening and what should be done to stay well. As the numbers of the infected grew and more nations presented with cases, the public responded with anxiety. Deaths were reported. The public wanted to know a few things rapidly. Do we have flu vaccines? If not, how long till we get them? And, can we mass produce them in time? Will they be effective?

Policies by the World Health Organization (WHO) changed almost hourly. As information about the virus and the numbers of the outbreak became available, a better picture formed. The state of pandemic levels was raised by WHO to try to halt the spread of the disease. Countries responded by limiting travel and isolating those thought to be infected. Data streamed in as to where the cases were and who was affected. Hospitals and doctors were notified of new information and new policies almost hourly.

What did we learn? First, education about the flu and what happens is important. This strain appears not to have been so virulent because it lacked a protein on its outer protein structure necessary for infectivity and virulence. The Spanish influenza virus had the protein in 1918 and this made it virulent. We learned again that the simple things that stop infections worked also. Wear a mask that inhibits the viral particles from getting into your lungs. Wash hands with soap and water and/or alcohol. Don’t do things like shaking hands or hugging and kissing as a greeting. Control the movement of people from community to community and isolate those thought to be sick. All this helped stop the spread of the virus.

Hospital’s ER facilities are normally overwhelmed on regular days. In a pandemic, they were they were flooded. Hospitals set up triage areas to separate the flu patients from other patients. Doctor offices did the same. Education was the main treatment for most people. Speed of communication also helped education of the public by TV, internet and newspapers.

Doctors and hospitals and the CDC learned a few important things: this was a practice run through. We were lucky to have some plans already in place. The need updated and reviewed. People need to know what they need to do in an epidemic. We need to have on hand bigger numbers of supplies of anti-viral to treat health care personnel first. We were caught short. We also need to have a flu vaccine production methodology on hand. Thanks to the Bush administration, this was available. Flu Vaccines are now in production. However, the fat lady hasn’t sung yet, the virus may mutate and things may be come badly again in the fall when the influenza season starts again.