How will physicians respond to the next influenza pandemic?

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The emergence of novel influenza strains, such as H7N9, underscores the persistent threat of global pandemics.
• Current pandemic preparedness strategies, relying on rapid vaccine and antiviral production, have proven inadequate, as seen in 2009.
• Physicians may lack effective treatments for pandemic influenza, mirroring historical limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of existing modern drugs to mitigate the host response to severe influenza infections.
• To advocate for research into the use of non-antiviral medications for treating pandemic influenza patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of laboratory and clinical studies on drugs affecting inflammatory responses.
• Analysis of the limitations of current pandemic influenza preparedness and response.

Main Results:

• Several classes of modern drugs, including statins and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, show potential in modulating the host inflammatory response.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of these drugs in the context of pandemic influenza treatment.

Conclusions:

• Existing medications could offer novel therapeutic avenues for pandemic influenza, potentially saving lives.
• Urgent recognition and research are needed by pandemic preparedness stakeholders to investigate these life-saving possibilities.