As we enter another influenza season, one question continues to vex medical and public health professionals: How do you stop people from catching the flu? The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine every year. However, in the event of a large-scale influenza outbreak of a new virus strain or a pandemic, when influenza vaccine may not be promptly available, we will see tremendous demands on the health care system and its workers.

The number of cases of West Nile virus has grown dramatically in recent weeks and public health experts suggest that if the trend continues, this year’s outbreak may rank among the largest in U.S. history.

More than 240 cases of West Nile virus disease – including four deaths – have been reported this year – putting 2012 on track to be the worst year for the disease since 2004.

Infectious disease and disaster preparedness experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine say the premise of a new Hollywood movie should serve as a reminder that the United States needs to be prepared in case a fast-spreading deadly virus causes a serious national emergency.