Journal Article Review Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Epublish 1 citation
PubMed: 36298680 DOI: 10.3390/v14102126
Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic and How Blood Operators Can Prepare for the Next Pandemic.
Viruses 14(10)
Authors: Steven J Drews, Sheila F O'Brien
Affiliations
- Canadian Blood Services, Microbiology, Donation and Policy Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R8, Canada.
- Division of Applied and Diagnostic Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
- Epidemiology and Surveillance, Donation Policy and Studies, Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J5, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
Abstract
Humans interact with virus-infected animal hosts, travel globally, and maintain social networks that allow for novel viruses to emerge and develop pandemic potential. There are key lessons-learned from the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that blood operators can apply to the next pandemic. Warning signals to the COVID-19 pandemic included outbreaks of Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the prior two decades. It will be critical to quickly determine whether there is a risk of blood-borne transmission of a new pandemic virus. Prior to the next pandemic blood operators should be prepared for changes in activities, policies, and procedures at all levels of the organization. Blood operators can utilize "Plan-Do-Study-Act" cycles spanning from: vigilance for emerging viruses, surveillance activities and studies, operational continuity, donor engagement and trust, and laboratory testing if required. Occupational health and donor safety issues will be key areas of focus even if the next pandemic virus is not transfusion transmitted. Blood operators may also be requested to engage in new activities such as the development of therapeutics or supporting public health surveillance activities. Activities such as scenario development, tabletop exercises, and drills will allow blood operators to prepare for the unknowns of the next pandemic.
MeSH
Virology, Viruses, Blood, Sars Virus, Pandemics, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Covid-19