  ReviewPandemic influenza: implications for occupational medicineW Shane Journeay1  and Matthew D Burnstein2  1
Dalhousie Medical School, Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4H7 Canada 2
Bell-Aliant Health & Wellness Division, 1505 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3K5 Canada  author email corresponding author email
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2009,
4:15doi:10.1186/1745-6673-4-15 Abstract
This article reviews the biological and occupational medicine literature related to H5N1 pandemic influenza and its impact on infection control, cost and business continuity in settings outside the health care community. The literature on H5N1 biology is reviewed including the treatment and infection control mechanisms as they pertain to occupational medicine. Planning activity for the potential arrival of pandemic avian influenza is growing rapidly. Much has been published on the molecular biology of H5N1 but there remains a paucity of literature on the occupational medicine impacts to organizations. This review summarizes some of the basic science surrounding H5N1 influenza and raises some key concerns in pandemic planning for the occupational medicine professional. Workplaces other than health care settings will be impacted greatly by an H5N1 pandemic and the occupational physician will play an essential role in corporate preparation, response, and business continuity strategies. | 
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