Pandemic flu

Flu is an infectious illness caused by the influenza virus. It mostly affects the respiratory system.

Pandemic flu - what is it?

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 they 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 up to one quarter of the UK population could fall ill with pandemic flu. 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 around 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, but 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.

Human flu pandemic - what you can do

If a pandemic is declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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.

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