[Pandemic influenza: rapid sanitary-hygienic measures for initial containment of diffusion]. / Pandemia influenzale: misure igienico-sanitarie di rapida attuazione per il contenimento iniziale della diffusione.

Viral respiratory diseases may be characterized by rapid diffusion in population, that often cause epidemic outbreaks or pandemic. Besides, typical high mutations of involved virus (almost always influenza virus) can reduce the validity of the up to date available vaccine. The achievement of new vaccines can require prolonged period. In addition, the availability and efficacy of antiviral drugs against new viruses should be evaluated before their uses. Influenza virus replication occurs in the epithelial cells of the respiratory system, and viruses, present in contaminated secretions, spread mainly by aerosols generated during sneezing, coughing, and speaking. Direct and indirect contacts with contaminated fomites play a role, in transmission of viral infection, even if they are less relevant than aerosol transmission. In the absence of ready for use vaccines and active drugs, some "non-pharmaceutical" strategies can be considered decisive factors to reduce the diffusion of pandemic influenza. Hand washing and disinfection procedures, isolation of ill persons, different indication for use of surgical masks and respiratory masks have to be carefully considered.

[Antisepsis and disinfection in emerging and re-emerging viral diseases]. / Malattie virali emergenti e riemergenti: antisepsi e disinfezione mirate per prevenirne la diffusione.

Prevention and therapy of emerging and re-emerging viral diseases may be inefficient due the inavailability of specific vaccines, active chemotherapic drugs, acceptable pesticides, and vector control measures. To reduce contact spreading of viral infections, some biocides, as chlorine compounds or phenolic compounds, associated with detergents, may assume a leading position as safe substances with antiviral properties for the environmental decontamination. Detailed instructions on their use may be introduced in future guidelines related to emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.