SEMINARS
Emergency Preparedness Seminars
Pandemic Influenza

Program Description
Concern about pandemic influenza has resurfaced with the spread, since 2003, of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1virus across eastern Asia and other countries. The H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential humanpandemic because it is especially virulent; it is being spread by migratory birds; it can be transmitted from birds tomammals and in some limited circumstances to humans; and, like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve. Todate, there has been no sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease, but the concern is that H5N1 willevolve into a virus capable of human-to-human transmission.

It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. It is estimated that in the event of a severe pandemic, New York State can expect approximately 6.75 million people or 35% of the populationbecoming ill and 153,000 deaths. Health care resources will be stretched well beyond capacity, with approximately 771,000 hospital admissions projected. In short, wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around theworld is at risk. Physician education and preparedness are key.

Program Objectives:
At the end of this program, the physician will understand the:

• distinction between seasonal, Asian and pandemic flu
• historical perspective on pandemic flu
• biological basis for influenza transmission and pandemic flu
• clinical and laboratory diagnostic features and treatment
• physician preparedness and exceptions to usual standards of care, and
• public health chain of command.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medicaleducation for physicians.  The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit (s)™. Physicians should only claim credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.