Coming soon to an ICU near you: severe pandemic influenza in ICU patients in Spain

A novel strain of swine influenza A H1N1 has already disseminated worldwide and has become a major clinical problem for intensive care units in selected areas. Many regions in the southern hemisphere are currently struggling to keep up with the influx of severely affected patients with acute respiratory failure from primary influenza pneumonia. The northern hemisphere is bracing for a similar surge of patients over this winter's influenza season. This initial report of ventilatory needs for patients with severe influenza pneumonia in Spanish intensive care units provides a useful guide of what to expect and how to respond to the challenge of pandemic influenza.