Why H1N1 Still Matters

Sixteen months after reports of a potentially fatal new influenza virus took the world and media by storm, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on August 10, 2010. Although the Phase 6 alert has been lifted and H1N1 is no longer the dominant influenza virus it once was, evidence from prior pandemics suggests that the virus will come to model the behavior of seasonal influenza and continue to circulate for years to come. Fortunately, global preparedness efforts and a swift public health response resulted in rapid detection and reporting of cases, extensive vaccination coverage for some high risk populations, and a legacy of stronger influenza control efforts even in communities with weaker health systems.

This special 1st anniversary session of Public Health Grand Rounds reviewed the roles that preparedness, surveillance, vaccine development, and risk communication played in the H1N1 response, discussed lessons learned, and tackled the myths and truths of this controversial and still relevant public health issue.