Pandemic FAQ's

Who will decide if the world is having a pandemic?

The World Health Organization (WHO) will determine when a virus such as the avian flu virus is spreading from human to human in sufficient numbers to constitute a pandemic.

Many governments and the WHO have intensive surveillance programmes to track the spread of avian flu. This programme will provide global early warning of human infections so Governments can begin implementing "pandemic alert" phases designed to track the progress of the disease spread nationally.

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Can a pandemic be averted ?

No one knows for sure. Influenza viruses are highly unstable and difficult to predict.

However, health authorities such as the World Health Organization remain optimistic that if the right actions are taken quickly, an influenza pandemic can be averted.

For more information, see the World Health Organization website.

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Who will be in charge if there is a pandemic in New Zealand?

The Government will ensure there is an appropriate response from all agencies involved. The Ministry of Health will take the lead in all national health-related matters.

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What could happen in New Zealand if there is a pandemic?

A pandemic could mean so many people are sick that it will affect 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. You may be asked to care for yourself and others at home.

There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels that there is an influenza pandemic and information about what to do and where to go for help.

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How many people could get sick or die if a pandemic virus reaches New Zealand?

This is difficult to say because it depends on many factors, such as the severity of the pandemic and who it affects most.

However research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal earlier this year suggested a flu pandemic could result in the deaths of up to 3700 New Zealanders, with as many as 20,000 people requiring hospital care and just over one million people needing to see a health professional.

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How will the New Zealand health system cope with a pandemic?

There is no doubt that in a severe pandemic, hospital and primary care practitioners such as GPs will find it difficult to deal with large numbers of people with the flu.

The Ministry of Health is considering and planning for other possible options such as community assessment centres for people with the flu.

People may also be asked to look after each other at home and given information about how best to do so.

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In a pandemic, what is likely to happen to elective surfaces offered by hospitals?

Individual District Health Boards will decide whether they are able to continue offering elective services.

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Can health professionals be required to turn up to work if there is a pandemic?

No one can be required to attend work if the workplace is not a safe or healthy one.

One of the important factors to consider when developing pandemic plans is how to keep essential services operating when staff might be away.

In a pandemic, many people, including health professionals, are likely to become sick.

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How will New Zealanders get treatment or health advice in a pandemic?

This will depend on the severity of the pandemic and how many people it affects. If you are sick you may be asked to phone your local doctor or nurse for advice, rather than visiting a waiting room and potentially spreading germs.

The Ministry of Health is also investigating the possibility of setting up community assessment centres, where people who are sick with influenza go to be assessed.

You will also be able to ring the national free 24-hour health advice number, Healthline (0800 611 116). This line is staffed by registered nurses.

Many people may be asked to care for themselves and their family members at home.

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How will I know what to do in a pandemic?

There would be public announcements on TV, the radio and through other media channels, and regular updates using a variety of communications channels.

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What should people do at home to deal with an influenza pandemic?

• Stay home if you are sick and keep away from other people -- avoid visitors and visiting others.
• Wash and dry your hands before handling food, after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, wiping or nose-blowing (whether your nose or your child's), and when looking after sick people.
• Keep coughs and sneezes covered. Tissues are best. Put the tissue in a rubbish bin.
• Give plenty to drink to people who have a fever and/or diarrhoea.
• Include paracetamol (for fever) in your home emergency survival kit.

Will New Zealand stop travellers from coming into the country in an effort to stop the spread of disease?

The details of how New Zealand would manage its borders in the event of a pandemic are still being worked through.

Because we are an island nation, active management of the border - ranging from partial restrictions to full closure - needs to be considered among the range of options as we plan our response. Other countries are also considering this issue.

Any final decision on border management will be made by the Government with input from a range of government departments.