notes

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreads around the world and infects many people at once.

An influenza virus capable of causing a pandemic is one that people have no natural immunity to, can easily spread from person to person, and is capable of causing severe disease. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave a person ill for up to 10 days.

Symptoms of the flu include: a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough and sore throat. It may take up to three days to feel symptoms after a person catches the flu (the incubation period).

Anyone can get the flu – being fit, active and healthy does not protect people from getting this virus. Anyone can die from the flu – it kills at least 100 New Zealanders every year, including some young, fit people.

However in a pandemic event up to a third of the population may be affected which would have an impact on workplaces, schools, hospitals and many other services. Some workplaces and schools may close. Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks. People may be asked to care for themselves and others at home.