Plan your pandemic. A guide for GPs.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A virus has a range of subtypes characterised by the display of particular surface structures and is associated with significant symptoms and a tendency to cause epidemics and pandemics. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a checklist to assist general practitioners in preparing for an influenza pandemic. DISCUSSION: The Australian Federal Government launched 'Exercise Cumpston' in October 2006 to assess Australian pandemic preparedness. The report of the outcomes recommends the integration of general practice into the planning process at a national and jurisdictional level. General practitioners are enthusiastic about receiving further information and training in pandemic preparedness but preparing a general practice to deal with an influenza pandemic is a complex task.