Pandemic Flu
A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus, which people have no immunity to, emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal influenza. This section outlines the characteristics of the disease and the likelihood of it happening.
Use the links below to see answers to common questions about pandemic flu.
- What is pandemic flu?
- What are the symptoms?
- How is it spread?
- What is the likelihood of a flu pandemic happening?
- What is being done to prepare for it?
- How can I protect myself and other people?
- What might be the impact of an outbreak?
- Useful resources
- Related links
What is pandemic flu?
Pandemic flu is any mutated influenza virus, which spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide. It is like ordinary flu but may affect some groups of people more dramatically.
What are the symptoms of pandemic flu?
Pandemic flu is more serious than ‘ordinary’ flu as more people will catch it and may have stronger reactions to it. However, the symptoms will be similar to seasonal flu:
- Fever
- General muscle aches and pains
- Tiredness
- Dry, chesty cough
- Sneezing
- Running or blocked nose
- Difficulty sleeping
How is it spread?
Pandemics of flu are due to the emergence of a new flu virus. Experts believe that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, could mutate into a pandemic flu virus that can be transmitted between people. Few – if any – people will have any immunity to this new virus. This allows it to spread widely and to cause more serious illness. The virus would pass from person-to-person by:
- Breathing in air containing the virus produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.
- Hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with the virus.
What is the likelihood of a flu pandemic happening?
Experts predict another pandemic will occur but cannot say exactly when it will happen. Six distinct phases have been defined by the World Health Organization to help global preparedness planning. We are currently in Phase 3: ‘a virus new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one person to another’.
What is being done to prepare for it?
The government is prepared for a pandemic flu outbreak in a number of ways:
- Announcements in newspapers, and on radio and TV with health advice.
- Increased stocks of antiviral drugs (plans to cover half population).
- Agreed advance supply contract for pandemic specific vaccinations.
- The NHS has plans for dealing with increased demand for services. Non-essential treatment is likely to be delayed in order to prioritise those patients suffering from pandemic flu.
You can also find out about the London flu pandemic plan.
What can I do to protect myself and other people?
Maintaining good hygiene will provide some protection:
- Wash hands regularly
- Clean hard services frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Use tissues and dispose of dirty tissues quickly
- Avoid nonessential travel and large crowds whenever possible
What would be the impact of a pandemic flu outbreak?
A serious pandemic is likely to cause many deaths, disrupt the daily life of many people and cause intense pressure on health and other services. Each pandemic is different, and until the virus starts circulating, it is impossible to predict its full effects.