Seasonal influenza prevention and control in Taiwan—Strategies revisited

Publication date: Available online 14 January 2019Source: Journal of the Formosan Medical AssociationAuthor(s): Chia-ping Su, Tsung-Pei Tsou, Chang-Hsun Chen, Tzou-Yien Lin, Shan-Chwen Chang, Influenza Control Group, Infectious Disease Control Advisory CommitteeInfluenza remains a serious public health threat in Taiwan. During 2017–18, Taiwan experienced two seasonal influenza epidemics caused by A/H3N2 and B, respectively. In addition to national influenza vaccination campaign, Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control and Infectious Disease Control Advisory Committee has multi-faceted strategies for seasonal influenza prevention and control to mitigate the risk of disease transmission among vulnerable groups and decrease influenza-related morbidity and mortality. In this article, we reviewed the key elements of the prevention and control strategies—enhanced influenza surveillance, antiviral drugs stockpile and management, critical care and medical resources reallocation, public risk communication and infection control measures. Given the complexity and challenging nature of controlling seasonal influenza epidemics, collaboration between health professionals is crucial to optimize the health of Taiwanese people.
Source: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research