AJPH -- eLetters for Podolsky, 95 (12) 2144-2154

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PUBLIC HEALTH THEN AND NOW:
Scott H. Podolsky
The Changing Fate of Pneumonia as a Public Health Concern in 20th-Century America and Beyond
Am J Public Health 2005; 95: 2144-2154 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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The Flu Pandemic and the danger of Pneumonia: Dr. Rajesh Chauhan (11 December 2005)

The Flu Pandemic and the danger of Pneumonia 11 December 2005

Dr. Rajesh Chauhan,
Consultant, Family Medicine & Communicable Diseases
309/9 A.V. Colony, Sikandra, AGRA - 282007. INDIA.
Send letter to journal:
Re: The Flu Pandemic and the danger of Pneumonia

drchauhanrajesh{at}yahoo.com Dr. Rajesh Chauhan

Dear Editor,
The article on pneumonia [1] is interesting. Probably it is rather premature to write of Pneumonia being a public health problem. God forbid, the danger of Flu Pandemic is for real. Along with it will come Pneumonia, as a major challenge. This shall be more frequently witnessed in the children, the old and infirm, as also the people who are immuno- deficient and their contacts. Are we prepared to tackle such a challenge? Would it not be appropriate to prepare for the worst while we still have time? It shall probably be viral pneumonia that we would be facing this time. Prior vaccinations will help. But do we have them and are we sure that the virus would not mutate making the vaccine against it somewhat non-effective?
Something more is to be thought of and planned well in advance for managing the onslaught of this pandemic, if it comes. Actions might have to be taken at massive scales cutting across political and geographical barriers. Massive resources and nursing care would have to be mobilized. The climatic conditions may not be conducive for organizing treatment shelters under tents. Have we so many beds, carers, ventilators, etc? Self-care is to be encouraged under these conditions and tips for the same need to be disseminated. Policy guidelines on admissions/discharges, and use of antivirals and antibiotics will have to be formulated. Public have to understand the value of quarantine and congregations as well as travel has to be restricted, while measures to check and prevent aerosol spread have to be publicized. They need to be sensitized of the probability and the prophylactic measures, without creating undue panic or anxiety.
With warm regards.
Reference:
1. Podolsky SH. The Changing Fate of Pneumonia as a Public Health Concern in 20th-Century America and Beyond. Am J Public Health 2005; 95: 2144-2154