Pre-pandemic planning
If and when another influenza pandemic will occur is difficult to predict. To be prepared, follow sound public health practices: adhere to office infection control practices, insure that patients and staff are current on all immunizations—influenza and pneumococcal vaccines can probably limit the complications from a novel influenza pandemic—maintain a line of communication with the local public health department, report communicable diseases and suspicious presentations to the public health department, and participate in local emergency planning.
Family physicians who serve in leadership positions in hospitals and other health care facilities can also promote planning for a possible pandemic at these facilities, including how to manage a surge of critically ill patients.
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Doug Campos-Outcalt, MD, MPA, 4001 North Third Street #415, Phoenix, AZ 85012. E-mail: dougco@u.arizona.edu