The course and management of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza

The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic provided a major test to the public health system in the United States and abroad. Although the virus was rapidly identified, it took longer than expected to bring an effective vaccine to market. During the interim the virus demonstrated a predilection for infecting younger persons, particularly those with medical conditions such as asthma or pregnancy, placing them at risk. Early treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors was found to be of some benefit. When the 2009 H1N1 influenza A vaccine became available, there were distribution issues in matching the number of doses to areas of need.