Anticiper la « pandémie grippale »

Abstract

The evolution of modern societies requires to develop and organize new responses to fight against infectious phenomena, in particular epidemic, and especially when contagious. The concept of principle of precaution has contributed to accentuate the willingness to prepare and protect. Following the emergence of the virus H5N1, naturally occurring among wild and domestic birds but also able to infect people, and following the WHO guidance, the French authorities have drawn a preparedness and response plan. This paper gives a progress report on the French policy and strategies regarding the pandemic influenza, considering the philosophy and the structure of the organization, as well as the available countermeasures (vaccines, anti-influenza medecines, masks, etc.).