"Most experts believe that it is not a question of whether there will be another severe influenza pandemic, but when."
(The Government’s Chief Medical Officer, 2002)
The Government judges that one of the highest current risks to the UK is the possible emergence of an influenza pandemic - that is, the rapid worldwide spread of influenza caused by a novel virus to which people would have no immunity, resulting in more serious illness than that caused by seasonal influenza.
Key messages from the Government during a pandemic will be that people who are well should carry on with normal, essential activities as far as possible, at the same time taking personal responsibility for self-protection; and that those who are unwell, or think they are unwell should take social responsibility to lessen spread and thus help protect others.
