This site offers advice and guidance to DCMS non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs).on preparing business continuity planning for a human influenza pandemic. Here you will also find latest news as well as key facts and essential external links.

Swine flu – A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1), it is called swine flu because it is thought to have originated in pigs, but this is not known for certain.

Seasonal flu – Occurs in the UK population as a matter of course – it's ‘ordinary' flu.

Avian flu affects birds – While it has transmitted to people in Asia in very close proximity to birds (eg. poultry workers), the virus does not pass easily, and there is no relation between chickens with avian flu on a farm and a person getting flu in their home.

Pandemic flu affecting humans – Occurs due to the emergence of a new flu virus which is markedly different from recently circulating strains.

If you would like to be informed of updates to this site please email influenza information updates.

Last Update - 3 July 2009