Pandemic Influenza
Unlike ordinary seasonal influenza that occurs every winter in the UK, pandemic flu can occur at any time of the year. Pandemics arise when a new virus emerges which is capable of spreading in the worldwide population.
This was the situation during the influenza pandemic of 1918-19, when a completely new influenza virus subtype (influenza A/H1N1) emerged and spread around the globe in around four to six months. Several waves of infection occurred over two years, killing an estimated 40-50 million people. Since then there have been two subsequent influenza pandemics, in 1957 and 1968. There are concerns that the currently circulating avian influenza A/H5N1 strain may give rise to the next pandemic influenza virus.
During the past year, the Health Protection Agency has focused on improving UK preparedness for a future influenza pandemic and support to the Government, the NHS and the public in responding in the most effective way. The Agency has formed a Pandemic Influenza office to oversee work in this area, which has included the development of information and guidance, emergency planning, exercises, training, laboratory work, and regional, national and international liaison.