Intervention strategies for emerging respiratory virus infections: policy and public health considerations

Respiratory viruses have emerged and re-emerged in humans for hundreds of years. In the recent past avian and animal influenza viruses have caused human disease ranging from conjunctivitis to respiratory illnesses, including the 2009–10 A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic. Coronaviruses, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and enteroviruses have also impacted humans globally. Since the likely public health impacts are common, plans and policies for intervention strategies can be developed, encompassing early detection through surveillance and diagnostics, as well as treatment and prevention through clinical and non-clinical interventions. The global comprehensiveness of these varies according to differing resources, competing health priorities and the causative agent, yet, irrespective of this, activities must be proportional to the threat. Pandemics and severe epidemics enable policies to be tested and gaps identified.

► A number of respiratory viruses are emergent and re-emergent pathogens in humans. ► Influenza, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses and enteroviruses are key examples. ► Despite viral diversity and unpredictability, common response strategies are possible. ► Surveillance and early public health interventions support clinical countermeasures. ► Pandemics and severe epidemics enable policies to be tested and gaps identified.