Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Role in Influenza Preparedness

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Influenza
Epidemiological Models
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays an essential role in the monitoring, risk evaluation and preparedness involving potentially dangerous diseases that may pose a threat to the global population. With cases of new viruses such as the recently discovered coronavirus, there is an increased need for epidemiology to prevent such high-level pandemics (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Consequently, the CDC collaborates with local and international organizations to create programs that promote preparedness ad response to outbreaks.

Influenza

Influenza occurs regularly in human beings with seasonal occurrences happening during specific periods of the year. On the other hand, pandemic Influenza has the potential to occur when a new variant emerges. The difficulty in treating such outbreaks results from the huge number of viruses that evolve and mutate to create stronger versions of the flu. Consequently, vaccines require constant updates to ensure that humans can be protected from emerging influenza variants. According to the CDC (2017), the seasonal flu is responsible for approximately 45 million incidences of illnesses in populations across the United States, 810,000 cases of severe illness and 61,000 deaths in affected patients on a yearly basis. The ability of novel influenza viruses to jump from animals, such as birds, leads to pandemic influenza due to the lack of human immunity. However, surveillance programs by the CDC ensure that such strains are identified and recorded to enable future responses.

Epidemiological Models

Epidemiological models form an essential part in the study of infectious diseases. The CDC uses a multi-level approach when handling Influenza to ensure the highest level of preparedness (Friis & Sellers, 2021). Initially, the monitoring process involves studying available human and animal viruses and the illnesses they cause across different locations globally. Such data becomes useful in identifying potentially dangerous strains that could easily spread over long distances causing a pandemic. Apart from that, laboratory testing and studies provide knowledge on the specific characteristics of each virus strain. The CDC estimates studying the genetic sequencing of approximately 7,000 virus each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Moreover, testing and diagnostic tools play a critical role in identifying the virus in affected patients hence designing better tools enables quicker responses. Such tests and materials distributed across different laboratories enable better diagnostics that can easily identify influenza strains.

Additional levels of actions involved in the influenza preparedness include the support for vaccine development funding and technical assistance. Development of vaccines requires significant amounts of research and development hence the CDC partners with other organizations to identify variants for which vaccines may be created. Furthermore, to prevent global incidences of influenza pandemics the CDC also provides funds to develop capabilities in a number of countries (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). Working with global organizations such as the World Health Organization provides global mitigation measures while domestically, the CDC engages with communities to create countermeasures that prevent pandemics. This ensures that any potential threats are identified and adequately neutralized.

Conclusion

The coronavirus showed the danger of novel viruses that may jump from animals to human beings. With the influenza being caused by a similar virus, epidemiology plays a critical role in preventing mass casualties caused by widespread illness. The multi-level approach by the CDC ensures that the world is prepared and ready to respond to any outbreaks. Such methods are significantly effective since the number of potentially dangerous viruses is high hence using this approach provides the best chances for preventing an overwhelming disease burden. For instance, the quick development of coronavirus vaccines was hugely based on the data collected from influenza tests and studies. However, the quick spread of the coronavirus into a widespread pandemic shows the possible flaws in the system that must be addressed to avoid future outbreaks.

References

Friis, R. H. & Sellers, T. H. (2021). Epidemiology for public health practice (6^th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Influenza (Flu). Web.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Role in Influenza Preparedness

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