Pandemic influenza is a re-emerging pathogen with serious public health consequences. The A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009/10 and the continuing threat to humans from avian influenza A(H5N1) and other novel influenza viruses have both underlined the importance of preparedness at local, national and international levels. With a strong emphasis on practicality, this book offers comprehensive coverage of the science and operational application of influenza epidemiology, virology and immunology, vaccinology, pharmaceutical and public health measures, biomathematical modelling, policy issues and ethics involved in preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza. Each chapter raises key questions and answers them in clear and concise sections, detailing relevant modelling studies and further reading. Comprehensively updated to incorporate major lessons from the 2009/10 pandemic, this second edition includes new contributions on surveillance, International Health Regulations, clinical management and local health service responses, illustrated with vibrant international case studies. Written in an easily accessible style by global experts, this is an essential text for students of public health and those involved in local, national and international pandemic preparedness and response.

Viruses are some of the simplest infectious agents on the planet, yet can cause severe and even life-threatening diseases in all forms of life - including humans. Despite relying on host cells in order to replicate, viruses can be capable of extremely rapid reproduction and very effective transmission from one person to another. Because of this, they have historically represented a significant proportion of the disease burden affecting humans, in addition to a number of new high profile diseases which have emerged in the last century. However, on a more positive note, the only two diseases to have ever been eradicated by mankind were both viruses, giving hope that in the future more viruses can be eliminated. Human Virology provides a vivid introduction to this fascinating field, by incorporating both the molecular and clinical aspects of the subject. The general principles and properties of viruses are covered in the first part of the text, while part two provides a survey of the different virus families and the human diseases they cause. Finally, the book concludes with some of the more practical aspects of the subject, such as immunization, antiviral chemotherapy and laboratory techniques. Throughout the text, case studies bring the subject to life by providing a unique perspective from real practicing doctors. In addition new 'hot topic' boxes have been incorporated into this edition, featuring current important areas of research. Little prior knowledge is assumed, making Human Virology the perfect text for those students new to the subject. The Online Resource Centre to accompany Human Virology features: For students: *multiple-choice questions for self-directed learning *Web links to online animations and videos For lecturers: *Figures from the book in electronic format, ready to download

Pandemic influenza is a re-emerging pathogen with serious public health consequences. The A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009/10 and the continuing threat to humans from avian influenza A(H5N1) and other novel influenza viruses have both underlined the importance of preparedness at local, national and international levels. With a strong emphasis on practicality, this book offers comprehensive coverage of the science and operational application of influenza epidemiology, virology and immunology, vaccinology, pharmaceutical and public health measures, biomathematical modelling, policy issues and ethics involved in preparing for and responding to pandemic influenza. Each chapter raises key questions and answers them in clear and concise sections, detailing relevant modelling studies and further reading. Comprehensively updated to incorporate major lessons from the 2009/10 pandemic, this second edition includes new contributions on surveillance, International Health Regulations, clinical management and local health service responses, illustrated with vibrant international case studies. Written in an easily accessible style by global experts, this is an essential text for students of public health and those involved in local, national and international pandemic preparedness and response.