Pandemic influenza

You are here: Pandemic influenza > FAQs > Preparing for a pandemic

Preparing for a pandemic

What should people do now to prepare for an influenza pandemic?

Have a plan and talk to friends and family about their plans. Write a list of the things you need to remember.

Talk to your family and friends about hygiene – hand washing and drying, and safe coughing and sneezing.

Make sure you have an emergency survival kit for all emergencies. In the event of a pandemic you would need to include paracetamol or ibuprofen (for fever) in your kit. Plan for having about a week's worth of essential supplies such as non-perishable food, as well as plenty of fluids. For further information on emergency preparedness see the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website: Get Ready Get Thru (www.getthru.govt.nz).

Have a plan for what you and your family would do if you had to stay at home during a pandemic. Know who you might need to contact and who might need to contact you. Print out the resource ‘Preparing your household for a flu pandemic’ and put in on your fridge.

What is New Zealand doing to prepare for an influenza pandemic?

Led by the Ministry of Health, the New Zealand Government has been preparing for a pandemic for some years. The New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Action Plan is continually being updated in line with World Health Organization recommendations. District Health Boards have local plans too.

A pandemic is likely to affect many aspects of day-to-day life in New Zealand, the effects will not be limited to the health sector. Plans have been made for most eventualities, such as potential school closures, border management and the maintenance of critical infrastructure, including supply of food and water and law and order.

The New Zealand Government, following the advice of the WHO, has on hand large reserve supplies of clinical and other supplies suitable for use against influenza viruses. No decision on the best use of these supplies will be made by Government until the nature of the next pandemic is known.

Page last updated: 18 September 2007