Pandemic flu: are we properly prepared?

This paper presents the proceedings of the 2006 conference 'Pandemic flu: Are we properly prepared?', held in London. This conference sought to provide an overview of the preparatory steps necessary if a potential UK pandemic influenza (flu) outbreak is to be mitigated. Topics included the history of pandemic flu, research and development, antiviral drugs, clinical assessment of flu, and critical care contingency planning. The ethical dilemmas relating to a flu pandemic were also discussed.