Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic: true or false alarm

摘要

In this issue Allam' raises concern about perceived over-reaction to the emergence of the novel influenza H1N1 strain, stating that the response of the World Health Organization (WHO) and mass media conclusions overestimated and exaggerated the problem, and provoked unnecessary alarm among the general population, rather than transmitting calm and a sense of safety, (see letter, page 862).rnHis first argument is that the rapid escalation of pandemic phases and communications by WHO gave the impression of an escalation in virulence of the virus rather than simply reflecting an increase in the extent of the spread. The WHO's pre-specified definitions of pandemic phases are entirely based on the extent of geographic spread and make no reference to severity.2 WHO's communications at the time of declaring different pandemic phases have consistently emphasised that most cases are mild.