Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza

The threat of pandemic influenza is of great concern to IDSA and its members. The evolving emergence of H5N1 avian influenza in Southeast Asia and its spread to several other continents only adds to the urgency of the situation. IDSA is working closely with our federal partners to further pandemic influenza preparedness initiatives, including the development of life-saving vaccines. To assist the U.S. in preparing an appropriate response, IDSA has developed a set of Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Principles for U.S. Action. IDSA’s principles stress the interrelatedness of seasonal and pandemic influenza and pursue policies to increase the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine distribution and administration and to leverage seasonal influenza as an opportunity to test pandemic preparedness protocols and plans.

What is Seasonal Influenza?
What is Pandemic Influenza?
What is the Current H5N1 Threat?

Policymakers and the public may view IDSA's statements; relevant reports; and other useful policy documents, resources and links concerning pandemic and seasonal influenza below.

IDSA Statements

Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Principles for U.S. Action (PDF) 01/16/2008

IDSA has developed recommendations to complement U.S. pandemic and seasonal influenza efforts.

Pandemic Influenza: The State of the Science 10/04/2006

IDSA and the Trust for America’s Health have developed an issue brief for policymakers and the media on the state of the science concerning pandemic influenza. The document summarizes for a lay audience the medical and scientific issues concerning vaccines, antivirals and immunotherapeutics, and diagnostics, and includes joint recommendations from IDSA and TFAH.

CID Working Group Joint Statement to HHS on Pandemic Influenza 01/13/2006

In a joint statement to the United States Department of Health and Human Services on January 13, 2006, IDSA recommended solutions to strengthen and improve the U.S. Preparedness and Response Plan against pandemic influenza.

Working Group on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, IDSA, Respond to Recent U.S. Influenza Plan 11/10/2005

IDSA and other working groups' call for greater funding for states, risk communication, medical supplies; detail; and precision on November 10, 2005.

View all Statements

IDSA Letters

IDSA, Others Support Increased Funding for Pandemic Flu and Biodefense Preparedness 09/22/2008

IDSA and other members of the Working Group on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness sent a letter to Congressional leaders endorsing an Administration proposal to add $363 million for pandemic influenza activities at the Department of Health and Human Services and $542 million to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

IDSA Supports Creation of Public Health Emergency Medical Insurance Program 07/22/2008

IDSA, others, endorse the Public Health Emergency Response Act to provide medical coverage to uninsured persons and reimburse healthcare providers for services rendered during a public health emergency.

IDSA, Major Medical Societies Oppose Home Stockpiling of Antivirals 07/15/2008

IDSA, along with AMA, AAP, and AAFP, opposes federal plan to take a permissive approach to public purchase and home stockpiling of antivirals ahead of a potential influenza pandemic, citing clinical and public health considerations and the need for further study.

HHS' National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) Members Invited to Consult with IDSA Experts 04/07/2008

IDSA highlighted key policy initiatives and invited members of the NBSB to call upon the expertise of our leaders in the areas of pandemic influenza, bioemergencies, and antimicrobial resistance. Three of IDSA's leaders currently serve as members of the NBSB.

View all Letters

IDSA Comments on Federal Agencies' Actions

IDSA Comments on the Development of Influenza Antiviral Home MedKits 10/29/2008

At a meeting of FDA advisory committee regarding development of an influenza antiviral home MedKit, IDSA provided public comments about the challenges to safe and effective use posed by the unknowns regarding use of current antivirals in a pandemic, combined with the absence of medical supervision in the proposed scenario of home based use.

IDSA and SHEA Issue Comments on Antiviral Prophylaxis 07/03/2008

IDSA and SHEA urge the federal government to expand the federal antiviral stockpile rather than relying upon employer purchase to ensure antiviral prophylaxis of at-risk workers in an influenza pandemic.

IDSA and SHEA Issue Comments on Respiratory Protection for the Public 07/02/2008

IDSA and SHEA urge the federal government to emphasize the use of facemasks rather than N95 respirators by the general public as part of pandemic influenza preparedness efforts.

IDSA and SHEA Comment on the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza 08/04/2006

Both societies share concerns about the Plan’s core orientation and the significant work remaining, leadership and resources.

View All Comments on Federal Agency Actions

Institute of Medicine Reports

Important Links

Working Group on Pandemic Flu Preparedness

WHO: Top 10 Things you need to Know About Pandemic Influenza

WHO Influenza Overview

SHEA Avian/Pandemic Flu Resources

Resources from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. Includes slides from "Seasonal & Pandemic Influenza 2006: At the Crossroads . . . A Global Opportunity," a joint SHEA, IDSA, CDC, and NIAID meeting focused on seasonal and pandemic flu preparation and communication

View all Important Links