Pandemic Flu
Influenza pandemics are natural phenomenon that have occurred from time to
time for centuries – including three times during the last century. They
present a real and daunting challenge to the economic and social wellbeing
of any country, as well as a serious risk to the health of its population.
There are important differences between 'ordinary' winter flu and
pandemic flu. These differences explain why we regard pandemic flu as such
a serious threat.
Pandemic influenza is one of the most severe natural challenges likely to
affect the UK, but sensible and proportionate preparation and collective
action by the Government, essential services, businesses, the media, other
public, private and voluntary organisations and communities can help to
mitigate its effects.
These inter-pandemic years provide a very important opportunity to develop
and strengthen our preparations for the potentially devastating impact of
an influenza pandemic, and the Government will continue to take every
practical step to prepare for and mitigate its health and wider
socio-economic effects.
The Department
of Health (DH) [External website] is the lead department
for planning for a human influenza pandemic. However, given the wide
impacts of a pandemic all government departments are involved in planning
to mitigate its impacts.
This website brings together available information on a possible
influenza pandemic in order to support planning at all levels of
society.
However well developed, plans are unlikely to be successful without
the active support of individuals and communities. Therefore, a key part of
the response will be to encourage the public to follow government advice
and adopt basic hygiene measures to manage or reduce their own risk of
catching or spreading the virus. Ensuring that all of us are fully aware of
the necessary precautionary and response measures, are prepared to
cooperate actively with them and accept responsibility for helping
themselves and others must therefore be an integral part of our overall
preparedness strategy.
Pandemic Influenza vs Avian Influenza (bird flu)
Avian influenza ('bird flu') is an infectious disease of
birds. A highly pathogenic A/H5N1 avian influenza virus – which is
extremely contagious and fatal in domestic poultry species – has prompted
particular concerns in recent years as the possible source of a human
pandemic.
Whilst the virus has infected humans, such infections have only been
recognised in a small proportion of those who have been exposed to infected
birds, and to date there has only been limited evidence of person-to-person
transmission.
Scientists believe that avian viruses possibly played a contributory role
in the last three human influenza pandemics.
All planning needs to reflect the possibility that the next pandemic might
arise at any time and from sources other than the H5N1 virus. Click here
for more information on the current situation on avian influenza (bird
flu).
