Pandemic Influenza

No country can expect to escape the impact of a pandemic entirely, and when it arrives most people are likely to be exposed to an increased risk of catching the virus at some point.  Influenza pandemics therefore pose a unique international and national challenge.  As well as their potential to cause serious harm to human health, they threaten wider social and economic damage and disruption.  Although it is highly likely that another influenza pandemic will occur at some time, it is impossible to forecast its exact timing or the precise nature of its impact.  This uncertainty is one of the main challenges for policy makers and planners.  Even if - as seems likely - a pandemic originates abroad, it will probably affect the UK within 2 to 4 weeks of becoming an epidemic in its country of origin, and could then take only one or 2 more weeks to spread to all major population centres here.  

The Department of Health has published a leaflet entitled "Important Information for You and Your Family" which is available in all languages.  To view this leaflet please click here.