« «
» »

UK preparedness for pandemic influenza

Influenza virusIn the worst case scenario, a pandemic of influenza in the United Kingdom would cause 750,000 excess deaths. In the short term, gross domestic product could fall by some 0.75%, and in the longer term the cost to the nation could be around £170bn (250bn; $350bn).
On 16 March 2007, the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office jointly published a new draft plan for pandemic flu. The plan builds on and replaces the October 2005 plan. It is supported by a range of additional documents related to acute hospitals, health care in the community, an “operational and strategic framework” for adults in social care, guidelines for staff in social care settings, ambulance services, and an ethical framework. Some documents offer strategic guidance, some offer operational guidance, and others guidance for individuals.

BMJ 2007 334: 965-996

Thanks to Keith for the pointer.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 17th, 2007 at 8:33 am and is filed under Biology, Health, Influenza, Medicine, Microbiology, Science, Virology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

One Comment

  • Mark D. Drapeau, Ph.D. says:
    May 31, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    While the medical response to pandemic flu will be important to controlling its spread and limiting its toll, there are considerable non-medical issues related to flu preparedness that are essential for ensuring the continued well-being of the nation’s economy. Planning for Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) is critical to maintaining
    the overall viability of society. Thus, while we rightly prepare for the flu, we must be equally prepared to function during the flu.

    The Center for Technology and National Security Policy of the DOD’s National Defense University has prepared a number of freely-available items which can help civilians be prepared both before and during the flu. “Bird Flu and You” is a poster available in 9 languages with basic information about influenza preparedness. “Weathering the Storm” is a report with
    information about planning for COOP, including instructions for carrying out “tabletop excercises” with a COOP plan.

    Electronic copies of the poster are available at http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/Bird_flu.htm. Electronic copies of the report are
    available at http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/Def_Tech/DTP%2038%20Weathering%20The%20Storm.pdf, and to request hard copies of the report, contact the Life Sciences group at lifesciences@ndu.edu.

    Robert E. Armstrong, Ph.D.
    &
    Mark D. Drapeau, Ph.D.

    Center for Technology and National Security Policy
    National Defense University
    Washington, DC