Pandemic influenza: implications for infection control in hospital

The World Health Organization states that immediate action is needed to prevent a repeat of the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 40 million people globally. The infection control team in hospitals are given responsibilities to implement plans to deal with an event if one should occur. Many healthcare facilities belonging to primary care Trusts and particularly hospitals have been ordered to release a pandemic influenza policy. It is a policy that states the clinical features attributable to avian influenza, its possible transmission and information on general infection control precautions. It is necessary for hospitals to be prepared in its management for a potential influenza outbreak and have the necessary resources to execute infection control practices. This article outlines the infection control precautions that need to be implemented in hospitals in the event of pandemic influenza, and the various practices to adopt when coming into contact with patients with signs and symptoms of influenza. Only by adopting the recommended infection control practices can we be assured that transmission will be minimized.