Prepare your practice for pandemic flu

Highly virulent H5N1 Asian bird flu is poised to arrive in the United States. If the avian flu virus mutates, becoming transmissible from person to person, widespread disease is probable. Presuming World Health Organization predictions hold, patient demand may overwhelm medical facilities making pandemic influenza preparation and coordination essential. This article provides a checklist to use to organize your pandemic flu-planning efforts. Physician offices and other healthcare facilities must stay flexible in their response to a possible influenza pandemic. Prepare by planning in advance for the worst-case scenario. Revise your plan as needed to keep abreast of future developments.