Exposure to pandemic influenza

Last updated: 06 November 2006

What is pandemic influenza?

Pandemic influenza is a type of human disease (flu) caused by the development of a completely new influenza virus. The virus is different to the influenza virus that normally causes influenza (flu) in humans, and may cause infection in many people because almost no one will be immune to it.

How is pandemic influenza spread?

Pandemic influenza can spread from one person to another. Being in close contact with an infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing can place you at risk of becoming infected.

Symptoms in humans

The incubation period (the time from exposure until symptoms develop) is unknown, but is considered likely to be up to seven days. The symptoms of pandemic influenza in humans will probably be similar to those of regular influenza, including fever, sore throat, cough or difficulty breathing, headache, aching muscles and extreme tiredness.

What does being in "home quarantine" mean?

If you may have been exposed to pandemic influenza, your health needs to be closely monitored until the risk period is over. You need to be in daily contact with your local public health unit to check on your health. Even if you remain free of symptoms, you need to be isolated from the community. You should remain at home until the public health unit tells you that it is safe for you to go out. During this time you may be given anti-influenza medication which you should take as directed.

Is there any risk to my family and friends?

The risk of spread from infected people is quite high, but can be reduced if you follow the advice in this fact sheet. If you have been exposed and become unwell, people who have been in close contact with you will be assessed by the public health unit, monitored and, if necessary, given anti-influenza medication.

Is it likely that I will become unwell?

Good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, helps to reduce your risk of infection. It's a good idea to avoid contact with people that appear sick, including family members, as much as possible, and you should also wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with sick people.

Precautions to take if you have been in contact

• Check your temperature daily for 7 days after your last exposure to pandemic influenza (see reverse for instructions on taking your temperature).
• If you have been advised to take anti-influenza medication, take the medication daily as directed.
• If you become unwell in any way, contact your local public health unit (see contact numbers below).

  What about antiviral medications?

  Antiviral medications may reduce the risk of becoming unwell if you are exposed to the virus, especially if taken very soon after exposure. You may be advised to take these medications by a public health officer.

  For more information about anti-influenza medication, refer to the fact sheet - Medications to treat or prevent influenza ("the flu").