List of current guidelines
Avian influenza guidance and algorithms
Health Protection Agency WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 Algorithms
Updates and changes (PDF, 26 KB) a summary of updates and changes made to the HPA WHO Phase 3 algorithms.
Case Management
A3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 (PDF, 86 KB) Algorithm for the management of returning travellers and visitors from countries affected by avian influenza (H5N1) presenting with febrile respiratory illnes. Last reviewed 29 July 2008. The following change was made: Nigeria was added in according to OIE report.
F3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 (PDF, 82 KB) Algorithm for the management of persons resident in the UK or arriving from areas not known to have avian influenza H5N1 presenting with febrile respiratory illness after close contact with sick, dying or dead birds: recognition, investigation and initial management. Last reviewed 07 September 2007. The following change was made: In the top right box, under "(3) Exposures", removed '...live (well)...' from status of birds
Interim HPA guidelines for investigation and reporting of suspected human cases of avian influenza
Last reviewed 10 January 2006
AI SOP: Guidance for Health Protection Units on dealing with human health implications of avian influenza in poultry and wild birds (PDF, 367 KB)
Last reviewed 24 September 2007
E3: "WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3
Last reviewed 30 August 2007. The following changes were made:
- In the second box on the right hand column, added 'Follow SOP for notification of testing to DH';
- In the second diamond box in the middle right section, footnote 4 was added indicating 'Standard adult treatment dose=75mg bd unless expert advice is to increase dose.'
- In the bottom left box "Negative", added '? if alternative diagnosis is not established.'
- In the bottom right box "Positive", deleted 'CfI to inform DH and Defra', added 'Follow SOP for notification of testing to DH.'
J3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 (PDF, 78 KB) Draft Algorithm for the management of personnel involved in the response to an occurrence of confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 only) in poultry in the UK, presenting with febrile respiratory illness. Last reviewed 30 August 2007. The following changes were made:
- In the second box on the right hand column, added 'Follow SOP for notification of testing to DH';
- In the second diamond box in the middle right section, a footnote No. 4 was added 'Standard adult treatment dose=75mg bd unless expert advice is to increase dose.'
- In the bottom left box "Negative", added '? for minimum of 10 days in total or until 7 days after last exposure (whichever is the longer). Follow-up until symptoms resolve if alternative diagnosis is not established.'
- In the bottom right box "Positive", deleted 'CfI to inform DH and Defra', added 'Follow SOP for notification of testing to DH.'
Post exposure prophylaxis
Draft algorithms have been prepared for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in response to a possible avian influenza event during WHO Phase 3.
B3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 Draft Algorithm
Last reviewed 30 August 2007. The following changes were made: Box No 4 on the left was changed to: 'Travel in enclosed or close contact (air, car, coach) with symptomatic index case4'.
C3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 (PDF, 28 KB) Draft Algorithm: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for farm workers/residents, SVS staff, and cullers involved in confirmed or suspected outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza suspected or known to be due to H5N1 in poultry in the UK
Last reviewed 30 August 2007. The following changes were made: 1. SVS was replaced by Animal Health throughout; 2. In the first box on the right hand side under 'Prophylaxis with oseltamivir', added '?continued for 10 days minimum or until 7 days after Defra declares the incident to be over (whichever is the longer), or after last exposure to infected or potentially infected?'
D3: WHO Pandemic Alert Phase 3 Draft Algorithm
Last reviewed 30 August 2007. Algorithm reviewed and some minor changes were made to aid clarity.
This is the report form for health care professionals investigating respiratory illness in individuals meeting the avian influenza infection case definition.
HPA case report form for suspected human cases of avian influenza (PDF, 44 KB)
Last reviewed 23 July 2007
The form is also available as a 
word document (Word Document, 250 KB)
that can be completed and emailed to Dr
Hongxin Zhao.
Laboratory Guidance
Microbiological guidance for taking and handling specimens for avian influenza testing
Last reviewed 10 January 2006
Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) laboratory advice (ACDP website)
Travel Advice
Travel Advice Page Last reviewed 07 April 2006
Frequently asked questions on travelling to zones affected by avian influenza (H5N1)
Last reviewed 04 October 2006
Last reviewed: 29 July 2008