What the paediatrician needs to know when pandemic influenza arrives in clinical practice.

摘要: Avian (H5N1) influenza or “bird ‘flu” has received considerable attention in both the medical literature and mass media last few years. Despite tabloids’ portrayal of an imminent threat, to date there have been relatively cases humans spite large numbers infected poultry (Hien et al. 2004). However, this may be falsely reassuring. Most indications suggest that it is just a matter time until next pandemic occurs (Osterholm 2005). In words UK Chief Medical Officer: “most experts believe not question whether will another severe but when” (Department Health Although are agreed future almost inevitable, its timing unpredictable uncertain virus responsible H5N1 another, novel, strain A recent editorial described avian as “predicament extraordinary proportions” (Anonymous 2006). The dramatic impact on all levels health care including everyday work doctors. This chapter focuses clinical aspects about which paediatricians need familiar.