The
World Health Organization (WHO) released updated clinical practice
guidelines for influenza in response to evolving evidence on the best
practices for treating the disease. Influenza remains a global health
concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality annually,
especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, young
children, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions.
The
guidelines are designed primarily for health care providers who manage
patients with influenza virus infection, and will also serve as a
reference source for policymakers and others in efforts towards epidemic
and pandemic preparedness.
The WHO Clinical practice guideline for influenza has been updated and expanded to apply to patients
with seasonal influenza viruses, pandemic influenza viruses and novel
influenza A viruses known to cause severe illness in infected humans. It provides recommendations on the management of both severe and
non-severe influenza and also includes recommendations on the use of
antiviral medications to prevent influenza virus infection in
individuals exposed to the virus .
The objective of this webinar is to explain the evidence for the recommendations of the updated WHO Clinical practice guideline for influenza.
Speakers
Welcome and introduction: Dr Janet Diaz, Unit Head, Clinical Management, Country Readiness and Strengthening Department, WHO
Overview of the Global Influenza Programme, focus on seasonal influenza: Dr Wenqing Zhang, Unit Head, Clinical Management, Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention Department, WHO
Experience from PAHO (H5N1): Dr Tim Uyeki, Chief Medical Officer, Influenza Division, US-CDC
Experiences from South-East Asia (avian flu outbreaks): Prof Yee Sin Leo, Executive Director, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Singapore (TBC)
Overview of the recommendations in the new guideline: Prof Steve McGloughlin, Consultant, Clinical Management Unit, Country Readiness and Strengthening Department, WHO and intensive care and infectious diseases physician
Q&A