Seasonal influenza prevention and control in Taiwan-Strategies revisited

J Formos Med Assoc. 2019 Mar;118(3):657-663. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2018.12.022. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Abstract

Influenza remains a serious public health threat in Taiwan. During 2017-18, Taiwan experienced two seasonal influenza epidemics caused by A/H3N2 and B, respectively. In addition to national influenza vaccination campaign, Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control and Infectious Disease Control Advisory Committee has multi-faceted strategies for seasonal influenza prevention and control to mitigate the risk of disease transmission among vulnerable groups and decrease influenza-related morbidity and mortality. In this article, we reviewed the key elements of the prevention and control strategies-enhanced influenza surveillance, antiviral drugs stockpile and management, critical care and medical resources reallocation, public risk communication and infection control measures. Given the complexity and challenging nature of controlling seasonal influenza epidemics, collaboration between health professionals is crucial to optimize the health of Taiwanese people.

Keywords: Influenza; Prevention and control; Surveillance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Public Health
  • Seasons
  • Taiwan / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Influenza Vaccines