Frequently Asked Questions about Pandemic Planning
MidCentral DHB's pandemic planning team provides answers to the many frequently asked questions about pandemics; including the difference beween seasonal and pandemic influenza, what is Tamiflu, and how to prepare for a pandemic.
What is influenza?
What is avian influenza?
What can you do to prevent getting the flu?
Why are people worried about avian influenza?
How likely is an influenza pandemic?
What is New Zealand doing to prepare for an influenza pandemic?
Is there a vaccine?
What could happen in an influenza pandemic?
How can you prepare for an influenza pandemic?
What is Tamiflu?
What is influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is a very infectious illness caused by a virus. It is much more serious than a common cold and can leave you ill for up to 10 days.
Symptoms of the flu include: a high fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, cough, sore throat or a runny nose. It may take up to three days to feel symptoms after you catch the flu (the incubation period).
Anyone can get the flu – being fit, active and healthy does not protect you from getting this virus.
Anyone can die from the flu – it kills at least 100 New Zealanders every year, including some young, fit people.
What is avian influenza?
There are many types of influenza virus, some of which infect birds. These are avian influenza viruses.
Very rarely, an avian influenza virus can also infect people. The current avian influenza virus – H5N1 – has infected some people who have caught it from having close contact with infected birds.
Avian influenza causes severe flu-like symptoms in people and may result in death. It has not been shown for sure that anyone has caught avian influenza from another person.
There are currently no commercially available vaccines that will protect people against the H5N1 avian influenza.
What can you do to prevent getting the flu?
Every year, ask your doctor to vaccinate you against the flu. Because the influenza virus changes frequently, you need to get vaccinated every year to stay immune.
Some people can get this free. Vaccination is free for people aged 65 years and over, and adults and children with certain long-term (chronic) conditions. Your GP will know if you are eligible for a free vaccination.
The flu is very easily spread through coughs and sneezes. If you have the flu, avoid public places and close contact with other people. Always cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue. Put the tissue in a rubbish bin and wash your hands well afterwards.
Why are people worried about avian influenza?
The World Health Organization is worried that an avian influenza virus and a human influenza virus might mix. This could result in a new strain of influenza virus that can be easily passed from person to person. The new influenza virus could spread rapidly around the world, infecting many people. This would be influenza pandemic.
An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It would not necessarily be a winter illness.
How likely is an influenza pandemic?
It is certain an influenza pandemic will happen one day. The H5N1 avian influenza virus that is found in some countries could become a pandemic influenza virus at any time.
What is New Zealand doing to prepare for an influenza pandemic?
New Zealand has been planning for this for some time. The Ministry of Health has a national pandemic plan, and District Health Boards have local plans. See MDHB's plan.
The New Zealand Government, following the advice of the World Health Organization, is stockpiling anti-viral medicine to help reduce the impact of a pandemic on New Zealanders. By the end of 2005 there will be enough anti-viral medicine for about 21 percent of the population.
Is there a vaccine?
There are no commercial supplies of vaccine against the avian influenza virus although many countries are trying to develop one. The Ministry of Health is working to make sure New Zealand gets access as quickly as possible to a vaccine once it is developed and available.
The Ministry of Health has secured a contract with an international vaccine manufacturer to provide New Zealand as a priority customer on the development of a vaccine. This period is still believed to be a minimum of 27 weeks from the time a pandemic is declared to when a vaccine can be produced.
What could happen in an influenza pandemic?
A pandemic could mean so many people are sick that it will affect workplaces, schools, hospitals and many other services. There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels that there is influenza pandemic.
Some workplaces and schools may close. Normal health and other services may not be available for several weeks. You may be asked to care for yourself and others at home.
How can you prepare for an influenza pandemic?
- Have a plan and talk to friends and family about their plans.
- Talk to your family and friends about hygiene – hand washing and drying, and safe coughing and sneezing.
- Make sure you have an emergency survival kit. Plan for having about a week's worth of essential supplies such as non-perishable food, as well as plenty of fluids.
- Include Paracetamol (for fever) in your home emergency survival kit.
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine used for the treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza Types A and B. It is a prescription-only medicine. During a Pandemic there will be specific guidelines around the use of Tamiflu. More information on Tamiflu can be found on the Ministry of Health Website
For answers to more questions see Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation websites
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Last Updated 17/01/2008