Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Principles for United States Action

Seasonal influenza remains a serious public health concern. According to the CDC, seasonal influenza is associated with 3,000 to 50,000 deaths in the United States each year, depending on the severity of the virus strain. Preparedness for influenza pandemics is inextricably tied to preparedness and response capabilities.

U.S. government agencies and Congress have key roles to play to ensure the essential tools necessary to prepare for seasonal and pandemic influenza both domestically and globally (see Box 1) are available, including creating incentives for the development of medical countermeasures and ensuring their availability; strengthening public health infrastructure to effectively manage surveillance and communication needs; and harmonizing domestic and global activities.

Box 1
ESSENTIAL TOOLS

• Vaccines
• Antimicrobial Drugs
• Diagnostic Tools
• Effective Communication Skills and Strategies
• Surveillance Capacities
• Community Mitigation Strategies
• Public Health Systems
• Medical Care Systems with Surge Capacity
• A Dedicated and Protected Health Care Workforce
• Well-Coordinated Global Approach
• Sufficient and Sustained Funding