International SOS launches new services to help businesses prepare for influenza pandemic

International SOS has announced the launch of a suite of services designed to assist organisations in developing specific pandemic preparedness plans, and a specific ‘Pandemic Preparedness’ section of its http://www.internationalsos.com website.

"Despite the significant medical advances that have occurred since 1917- 18, very little has changed in the clinical management of influenza," said Dr. Myles Druckman, vice president of Medical Assistance for International SOS. "Since the specific virus that will cause the next pandemic will not be known until after the pandemic begins, a vaccine cannot be produced in advance. Even when the pandemic occurs, the virus is identified, and vaccine production begins, production limitations mean that only limited quantities will initially be available. For these reasons preparation and surveillance are critical to an effective response to a pandemic."

"Many national governments are developing extensive pandemic preparedness plans and are stockpiling antiviral drugs. However, there is little or no advice specifically directed towards the business community," Dr. Druckman continued. "We believe we can assist organizations with their planning so they can more effectively medically manage their employees and travellers, especially those in less developed countries, to assist in business continuity. Good planning is critical."

The International SOS Pandemic Preparedness website has three levels of information. The public area of the website contains valuable information regarding the outbreak of avian flu in Asia and the potential impact should it become a pandemic. The second level of the website is available only to International SOS corporate clients and individual members, and contains more details on avian, seasonal and pandemic flu and general information about pandemic preparedness.

The third level of the website contains the "International SOS Pandemic Protocols", a 120-page highly researched document available to International SOS clients who purchase the information. The protocols are designed to help organisations develop an organisation-specific Pandemic Preparedness Plan and address specific employee health and business continuity concerns. The protocols include advice on infection control, stocking and use of antiviral drugs, disinfection, management of suspected cases, medical evacuation and traveller management. International SOS can help its clients to customise these generic protocols to suit their organisation's specific situation. Additional pandemic preparedness services offered by International SOS to its clients include consultation on antiviral drug policies and protocols, as well as work site assessments and employee training programs.

•Date: 12th August 2005 • Region: US/World • Type: Article •Topic: BC general
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