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Pandemic flu
Flu, an infectious illness caused by the influenza virus, primarily affects the respiratory system. If a new flu virus emerges to which few people would have immunity, then a pandemic, or global epidemic, could arise - resulting in more severe illness and death than seasonal flu.
What is pandemic flu?
A pandemic is a rapidly-spreading epidemic of a disease that affects most countries and regions of the world. The symptoms of pandemic flu are similar to those of the ordinary seasonal flu that occurs each winter, but are usually more severe.
Pandemics occur when a virus emerges that is so different from previously circulating strains that few, if any, people have any immunity to it. This allows it to spread widely and rapidly, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. As it is a new virus it is not possible to produce a vaccine to protect people against it in advance. Experts estimate that as much as a quarter of the UK population could fall ill with pandemic flu and many others might catch it but not develop the symptoms.
Why pandemic flu is a concern
Pandemic flu has emerged from time to time throughout history. Last century there were flu pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968, when millions of people died across the world. Experts predict that another pandemic may happen soon, but they do not know when.
Concerns have recently increased as a result of the spread of the H5N1 avian (bird) flu. Although bird flu is not the same as pandemic flu, the virus has developed the ability to jump between species to cause severe illness in people. It does not infect people easily, however experts are concerned that if the avian influenza virus mixes with a human flu virus, a new flu virus may be created which could potentially cause a pandemic.
Preparing for a human flu pandemic
The UK takes the threat of a human flu pandemic seriously and has published a contingency plan. The plan sets out the measures that are being taken to prepare the UK for any future pandemic including:
- stockpiling antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, which may help relieve symptoms (antivirals won't stop you getting the flu, but could shorten your illness by around one day and reduce the risks of severe complications)
- the Department of Health is inviting manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply pandemic flu vaccine once the pandemic strain is known, although this will take several months to become available
- the Department of Health is also purchasing around 2.5 million doses which will be used to carry out further research and could also be used to vaccinate frontline healthcare workers before a specific pandemic vaccine can be developed
- producing guidelines for local authorities and health services in order to help them prepare for a human flu pandemic
What to do if there is a human flu pandemic
If a pandemic is declared by the World Health Organisation you will be given more information on what you can do to reduce the risk of catching flu and what to do if you fall ill.
The UK Government's principal medical adviser - the Chief Medical Officer - has issued information for both you and your family on what to do if a human flu pandemic emerges.
You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza during a pandemic by:
- covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
- disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
- avoiding non-essential travel and large crowds whenever possible
- maintaining good basic hygiene, especially frequently washing your hands
- cleaning hard surfaces frequently
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