There have been 10 pandemics in the past 300 years – the next one? ... it’s not if… it’s when. A pandemic due to the bird flu might never hit – but a future pandemic due to some type of influenza strain appears to be inevitable.Planning for such an eventuality is therefore imperative for all health care workers. Dynamic Dental Safety (dds) recommends that all dental health care personnel take action now to stay informed and prepared.
On March 14, 2007, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a pandemic influenza preparedness plan that defines the agency's current role in six major areas: vaccines, antiviral medications, medical devices, food and feed safety, emergency preparedness and response, and enforcement. See: http://www.fda.gov/oc/op/pandemic/strategicplan03_07.html
Other great links:
- Pandemic influenza: How can dentists prepare the office?
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2111
- Pandemic Influenza Information for Health Professionals:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/healthprofessional.htm
- Workplace Planning:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/index.html
