WMU Libraries - Government Information

The Trust for America's Health released a new report yesterday. The
report focuses on lessons from the H1N1 outbreak. "Pandemic Flu: Lessons
from the Frontlines" is available at:

http://healthyamericans.org/reports/?reportid=64

The 10 early lessons learned outlined in the report are:

1. Investments in pandemic planning and stockpiling antiviral
medications paid off;
2. Public health departments did not have enough resources to carry
out plans;
3. Response plans must be adaptable and science-driven;
4. Providing clear, straightforward information to the public was
essential for allaying fears and building trust;
5. School closings have major ramifications for students, parents
and employers;
6. Sick leave and policies for limiting mass gatherings were also
problematic;
7. Even with a mild outbreak, the health care delivery system was
overwhelmed;
8. Communication between the public health system and health
providers was not well coordinated;
9. WHO pandemic alert phases caused confusion; and
10. International coordination was more complicated than expected.