General Pandemic Guidance

There are important differences between 'ordinary' winter flu and pandemic flu.

Pandemic influenza is one of the most severe natural challenges likely to affect the UK. Planning, preparation and collective action by the Government, essential services, businesses, communities, the media, other public, private and voluntary organisations can help to mitigate its effects.


The latest guidance and information regarding Pandemic Preparedness and response is provided below:

In the event of an influenza pandemic, businesses will have a key role to play in reducing the risk to employee’s health and safety as far as possible, as well as maintaining essential operations. 4 page leaflet produced by Cabinet Office & Civil Contingencies Secretariat (pdf 128kb)

The Health Protection agency and the department of Health have worked closely with the healthcare sector and certain non-healthcare services, such as the police and fire and rescue services, to develop pandemic influenza infection control guidance for specific occupational settings - 24 page booklet (pdf 530kb)

Everyone will be involved in the fight against pandemic influenza (flu) in terms of managing the impact it will have on society and preventing further spread of the infection. This guidance explains how cleaning staff and refuse collectors working in non-health care settings, in the course of their daily work, can protect themselves, their colleagues and their families, and prevent the spread of flu - 12 page booklet (pdf 172kb)

These web pages provide information on Pandemic Influenza including guidance for healthcare workers and business continuity planning.

Pandemic information from the IW NHS covering Avian Influenza A/H5N1, Swine influenza A/H1N1, Influenza Pandemic, and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) .

Important information for you and your family 16 page booklet (pdf 1050kb)

Guidance on meeting the needs of those who are or may become vulnerable during the pandemic 19 Page booklet (pdf 1188kb)

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.

Influenza pandemic preparedness update report – issue 1 June 2010 – 5 page report (pdf 150kb)

Infectious diseases web pages from DEFRA

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