The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations on 11 June 2009 raised the pandemic alert level for Swine Flu that is also coded as influenza A(H1N1) to phase 6, indicating the existence of the first influenza pandemic of the twenty-first century.
According to the UN’s definition phase 6 is a pandemic which sets national authorities in motion to implement preparedness plans, identify cases as efficiently as possible, and minimize serious illness and deaths with proper treatment. The goal is to reduce the impact of the pandemic on society.
At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to the Health Organization, as well as input from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning.
The moderate assessment reflects that (a) Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care; (b) Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions; and (c) Generally, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.
Full Clinical Profile of the Disease Not yet Established
WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.
Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of the disease is not yet known. The severity of pandemics can change over time and differ by location or population. Therefore, the WHO considers close monitoring of the disease and timely and regular sharing of information with its Member States during the pandemic period as essential for evaluating future severity assessments.
Future severity assessments would reflect one or a combination of factors such as changes in the virus, underlying vulnerabilities, or limitations in health system capacities. The pandemic is early in its evolution and many countries have not yet been substantially affected.
What is World Health Organization Doing to Respond?
The WHO's support to countries takes three main forms: technical guidance, materials support, and training of health care system personnel. Of primary concern is strengthening and supporting health systems in countries that are lacking resources. Health systems need to be able to prevent, detect, treat and mitigate cases of illness associated with this virus.
WHO is also working to make stocks of medicines (such as antivirals and antibiotics) and an eventual pandemic vaccine more accessible and affordable to developing countries. Both antivirals and vaccines have important roles in treatment and prevention respectively. However, existing stocks of antivirals are unlikely to meet the demand. And vaccines may be developed, but it will take some months.
Therefore, rational use of the limited resources will be essential. And medicines are only part of the response. WHO is also deploying diagnostic kits, medicines and masks and gloves for health care settings, teams of scientific experts, and medical technicians, so that countries in need can respond to local epidemics.
What Actions Should I look for in my Community?
Basic advice for everyone is to stay informed by going to reliable sources of information, including from Ministries of Health, to learn what the individual can do to protect her- or himself and to stay updated as the pandemic evolves. Community-specific information is available from local or national health authorities. You can also continue to visit related web sites for simple prevention practices and general advice.
The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions nor does the Organization have evidence of risk from eating cooked pork. In late April 2009, the United Nations announced the emergence of this novel influenza A virus. Its particular H1N1 strain has not circulated previously in humans. The virus is entirely new.
Christian Strohmann - I have worked already more than 20 years for the United Nations (UN) on five continents as journalist, public relations manager, ...
