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Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: Should Hospitals Stockpile Oseltamivir?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Sandro Cinti*
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan Ann Arbor VA Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Carol Chenoweth
Affiliation:
Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan Department of Infection Control and Epidemiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Arnold S. Monto
Affiliation:
University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
*
Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Hospitals/Ann Arbor VA Health Systems, 2215 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, scinti@umich.edu

Abstract

The outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Asia has reignited concerns about an influenza pandemic. It is clear that influenza vaccine will be in short supply (or nonexistent) early in an influenza pandemic. Without vaccine, the role of antiviral agents, especially oseltamivir, in treatment and prophylaxis is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the government cannot possibly stockpile enough oseltamivir to provide long-term prophylaxis or treatment for every healthcare worker in the United States. We think that hospitals should consider stockpiling oseltamivir, and we provide a strategy for doing so at a reasonable cost.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2005

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