PLoS Medicine
(Accessed 10 October 2010)
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=browse&issn=1549-1676&method=pubdate&search_fulltext=1&order=online_date&row_start=1&limit=10&document_count=1533&ct=1&SESSID=aac96924d41874935d8e1c2a2501181c#results

Reflections on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and the International Response
Gabriel M. Leung, Angus Nicoll

Summary Points
– Many of the initial responses to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic went well but there are many lessons to learn for future pandemic planning.

– Clear communication of public health messages is crucial, and should not confuse what could happen (and should be prepared for) with what is most likely to happen.

– Decisions regarding pandemic response during the exigencies of a public health emergency must be judged according to the best evidence available at the time.

– Revising pandemic plans—to be more flexible and more detailed—should wait for WHO leadership if national plans are not to diverge. Surveillance beyond influenza should be stepped up, and contingencies drawn up for the emergence or re-emergence of other novel and known pathogens.

– Data collection and sharing are paramount, and include epidemiological and immunological data. Clinical management of severe influenza disease should not be limited to the current antiviral regimen, and include the development of other therapeutics (e.g., novel antivirals and immunotherapy).

– Greater and more timely access to antivirals and influenza vaccines worldwide remains an ongoing challenge.