Pandemic influenza phases
The influenza virus is a common virus that has been in existence for a long time. Each flu season, influenza causes many admissions to hospital and deaths, particularly in the very young and the old.
An influenza pandemic occurs when:
- a new sub-type of the flu virus emerges in humans to which people have no or little immunity; and
- the virus spreads easily and rapidly between humans (infectiousness)
The combination of low immunity in the population and high infectiousness means that many people will be infected. This means that there will be a correspondingly high number of hospital admissions and deaths.
On this page:
Phases
The World Health Organisation has 6 global phases to describe the status of a pandemic worldwide. Australia has 7 phases to guide the Australian response to the pandemic as it develops.
It is important to note that the pandemic might not develop in a predictable way. It might move through phases quickly or skip some phases altogether.
| Australian Phase | Description | Key Government Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Alert | A new flu virus with pandemic potential causes severe disease in humans who have had contact with infected animals. There is no effective transmission between humans. The new virus has not arrived in Australia. | To be alert to the pandemic risk and prepare for a pandemic |
| Delay | Small clusters of human infection with the virus overseas. Virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans, but may not yet be fully adapted (substantial pandemic risk). | Delay the virus arriving in Australia |
| Contain |
Pandemic virus has arrived in Australia causing a small number of cases. | Limit the spread of the virus |
| Protect |
A new disease of moderate severity (mild in most but severe in some) is spreading in Australia. | To identify the people in whom disease may be severe and provide medical care and interventions to reduce suffering |
| Sustain | Pandemic virus is established in Australia and is spreading in the community. | Sustain the response while waiting for a pandemic vaccine to be developed |
| Control | Customised pandemic vaccine is widely available. | Control the pandemic with a vaccine |
| Recover | Pandemic is controlled in Australia but further waves may occur. | Return to normal while remaining vigilant |
More information about Queensland Government strategies to respond to the pandemic threat at each phase is available in the Queensland Pandemic Influenza Plan 2009.
What should I do?
There are steps you can take now to protect yourself and your family from catching any type of flu.
What should my business do?
The Queensland Government encourages all businesses and non-government organisations to be prepared for a pandemic.
Planning ahead could minimise the impact of a pandemic on the organisation, help protect staff and contribute to national recovery.