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Pandemic flu
A pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus, which people have no immunity to, emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal influenza. The Department of Health is working to support NHS preparedness and to reduce the impact of pandemic flu on the UK population.
What's new
Pandemic influenza - guidance on preparing mental health services in England, 2 July 2008
This document is designed to assist mental health trusts and other specialist mental health service providers in developing their plans for responding to an influenza epidemic. This document details a national approach, setting out the key planning assumptions and principles, roles and responsibilities that should inform the development of local plans.
About pandemic flu
An overview of pandemic flu, including information about who would be at risk, when it could arrive and its symptoms.
Pandemic alert phases
Six distinct phases have been defined by the World Health Organization to help global preparedness planning. We are currently in Phase 3: a virus new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one person to another.
Published guidance
The National Framework for responding to an influenza pandemic and supporting guidance
Published: 22/11/2007
This document describes the Government's strategic approach for responding to an influenza pandemic published jointly by the Department of Health and the Cabinet Office. It provides background information and guidance to public and private organisations developing response plans. Supporting guidance includes an ethical framework and operating guidance for adult social care, ambulance services, mental health, community and acute healthcare.
Infection control guidance
Infection control guidance in the event of a flu pandemic for health and social care professionals and some non-NHS sectors.
Committee on Ethical Aspects of Pandemic Influenza (CEAPI)
The Committee on Ethical Aspects of Pandemic Influenza (CEAPI) has been set up to advise on the ethical issues in health and social care and in public health arising from an influenza pandemic.
Additional links
Contact the pandemic flu team
Please email any enquiries or comments to:
National Director
Professor Lindsey Davies has been National Director of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness since April 2006 and is also a senior director within the Department of Health.
Scientific Pandemic Influenza Advisory Committee (SPI)
The main role of the SPI is to advise the UK Government on scientific matters relating to the health response to an influenza pandemic.
Directgov
Information on pandemic flu for members of the public is available on
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