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(Page last updated 12 June 2009)

"The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic." (Dr Margaret Chan, World Health Organization Director-General)

On June 12 (NZ time) the WHO raised the level of pandemic alert for influenza A (H1N1) to phase 6, the highest level. Nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries. In NZ there are now 27 confirmed cases, 10 in home isolation, with the others having fully recovered. All were infected overseas. (Stuff news latest coverage)

The WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate because:
  • most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care,
  • overall, national levels of severe illness appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods,
  • hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care.

    • Regional Public Health has advice on how to protect yourself and others:

  • The most effective way of protecting yourself is by washing your hands with soap and water and drying them thoroughly.
  • Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also a great way to keep your hands free of germs.
  • If you sneeze, make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or if you use your hands make sure you wash them afterwards.
  • Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Germs can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way.
  • Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you develop flu symptoms, stay at home. Do not go to the doctor or the hospital as you may give the germs to other people. Instead phone your doctor or Healthline (0800 611 116) for medical advice.

    • On the Internet:

    • The World Health Organization is coordinating the global response and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Information on this page tracks the rapidly evolving situation and provides access to both technical guidelines and information useful for the general public.
    • For links to the latest information from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, click here.
    • For the latest news reports from New Zealand and around the world, try this Google News search.
    • Or click on these links for current articles from the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, or New Scientist magazine.
    • Google has also launched a site, Flu Trends, that provides up-to-date estimates of flu activity in New Zealand based on aggregated search queries.
    • Swine flu is being added to the 2006 Epidemic Preparedness Act that provides statutory powers for NZ government agencies to try to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, and to respond to epidemics and any possible consequences, in New Zealand.
    • Anxiety over the danger of swine influenza has revived memories of New Zealand's worst disease outbreak, the lethal influenza pandemic that struck between October and December 1918. In two months New Zealand lost about half as many people to influenza as it had in the whole of the First World War. No event has killed so many New Zealanders in such a short time. This site from NZHistory.net provides all the background.
    • This 2006 Treasury paper investigates the possible effects of a pandemic on New Zealand's macroeconomy. It concludes that economic output as measured by gross domestic product could fall up to 15 percent over four years.
    • The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has links to fact sheets and other information.
    • Effect Measure, part of the ScienceBlogs network is a good aggregator of news regarding this flu outbreak, especially the science behind it. The Editors of Effect Measure are senior public health scientists and practitioners.

    Related material from our collections:


    • Book catalogue link. Flu : a social history of influenza, by Tom Quinn.
      "This fascinating book explores the havoc caused by the world's most deadly virus - and the destruction left in its wake. From its initial identification by the Greek physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC to the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and beyond, Tom Quinn explores the social, medical and scientific ramifications of the major outbreaks that have occurred over the centuries - and the potential consequences should such a pandemic occur in the modern world, an event that many believe is just a matter of time".-- Book jacket
    • Catalogue link. Bird flu : everything you need to know about the next pandemic, , by Marc Siegel.
      "In his sensible and entertaining style, Siegel looks at the advances we've made in treatments, the research still to be done, and the challenges ahead for Asia to lay out a realistic plan for ending this global threat. While a bird flu outbreak in the United States may or may not happen this year, there's still a great deal of work to be done in readying America for outbreaks of any kind." (Annotation, Bowker)
      "Table of Contents: Bird flu basics -- The history of bird flu -- Spanish flu versus swine flu -- A bird's eye view -- Tamiflu and the bird flu vaccine -- Our culture of fear -- SARS -- The other flu -- Do we know a pandemic when we see one? AIDS versus bird flu -- Perspectives.
    • Catalogue link. Bird flu virus : your personal survival guide, , by Sandra Cabot..
      "A guide showing readers how to protect themselves and their loved ones from the potentially deadly Bird Flu Virus. It helps them learn about superfoods, and the essential nutrients they need to strengthen their immune system." (Description, Amazon.co.uk)
      "Notes: "The information in this book will also be of great value to all those who suffer with chronic infections, recurrent infections, a weakened immune system" (Book catalogue)
    • Influenza pandemic : what you really need to know, directed by Bruce Foster. (NZ DVD)
      "Influenza Pandemic describes the global, national and domestic implications of a worldwide influenza outbreak. Through a series of interviews with scientists, risk managers, doctors, industry spokespeople, economists, historians and public health professionals, the film outlines the preparations individuals and businesses need to take now to minimise risk" --Cover
    • Black November : the 1918 influenza pandemic in New Zealand, , by Geoffrey W. Rice.

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