An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus emerges, spreading around the world and infecting many people at once.

Te Puna is working with the Waitemata District Health Board and the health sector to ensure the community is as prepared as possible for a potential pandemic.

H1N1 is a flu virus that was initially referred to as the swine flu. It was first detected in the United States in April of 2009. It causes flu-like symptoms including, fever, cough, fatigue and muscle aches. Scientists call the H1N1 virus a "quadruple reassortant" virus. This is because the virus contains two genes found in flu viruses which circulate among pigs, and two genes that circulate in flu viruses among birds (avians).

The virus was originally called swine flu because of the genes, which are similar to that of flu viruses in pigs. The H1N1 flu virus is passed from person to person just like other flu strains. You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork..

An influenza virus capable of causing a pandemic is one that people have no natural immunity to and can easily spread from person to person. It may cause severe disease. An influenza pandemic could cause many deaths and could occur at any time. It could happen at any time of the year, not just winter.

We are progressing well with our pandemic planning. Part of our response will involve education and information specific to our community. When this is complete we will make sure all our clients know how to cope in a pandemic.

If you would like more information on the preperation in our community, feel free to email our pandemic coordinator here.

The Ministry of Health is a great resource for up-to-date information on preparing for a flu outbreak. (Click here)

This link has information on how to prepare you and your whanau for a pandemic (Click here). Being prepared for a pandemic will mean you are also prepared for natural disasters and other civil emergencies.

Another very good resource is the Get Thru website which has lots of information about preparing for a civil emergency (www.getthru.govt.nz).