What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is when a new disease or new strain of an existing disease spreads worldwide. Viral respiratory diseases, such as new influenza viruses or COVID-19 are the ones most likely to cause a pandemic.

In the past, there have been many influenza pandemics. The pandemics often start from influenza viruses in animals. Pandemic influenza viruses are different from the seasonal influenza viruses in that few, if any people in the community have immunity against it.

What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic?

A pandemic is not the same as an epidemic. An epidemic is when there are many more cases of a disease than usual in a community or region, but the disease does not spread further. A pandemic spreads worldwide.

How is a pandemic declared?

The World Health Organization (WHO) decides when there is a global pandemic. They watch for outbreaks of disease and take advice from health experts around the world. Countries, such as Australia, are likely to take steps to reduce the impact of a pandemic even before the WHO makes an official declaration.

How does Australia respond to COVID-19 and influenza pandemics?

The Australian Government has plans to manage COVID-19 and influenza pandemics.

These plans aim to minimise the impact of illness on the health of Australians and the healthcare system.

Plans may include different measures, depending on the circumstances:

Travel measures

When you travel by plane or ship, you may receive information about a pandemic. Websites, such as the Smartraveller website, can advise you about high-risk destinations. When entering Australia, healthcare professionals might perform screening checks, such as checking your temperature with hand-held scanners.

Social measures
State education departments may decide to close schools or offer learning from home. Businesses may be advised to let employees work from home and cancel large events. Sometimes, people confirmed with the infection or those who have been in contact with them, may be asked to self-isolate.

Hygiene measures

To control infection, health authorities may give information about the importance of good hand and cough hygiene. Hand washing and coughing or sneezing into the elbow helps to minimise the chance of spreading the virus. You may need to wear a mask to enter some areas, such as hospitals or health clinics.

Healthcare measures Healthcare is managed by state and territory authorities. This means different states may have different rules, such as when schools close. They deal with several topics, such as:

• managing the disease outbreak response
• collecting health information from the public
• starting vaccination programs
• sharing tips on staying healthy
• helping hospitals and places where older people live

They may also give personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, to healthcare professionals and workers who come into close contact with infected individuals.

Legal measures

Commonwealth biosecurity laws and state and territory public health and emergency response laws can enforce these measures. However, usually, people are asked to follow these measures voluntarily.

How should I prepare for a possible pandemic?

• Talk with family and friends about your preparations. Find people who can help you, and see if anyone might need your help.
• Write down important phone numbers, addresses, and emails, including your family doctor’s contact details.
• Make a list of list of food supplies you might need. Keep some canned or dried groceries on hand in case you need to stay home. Remember supplies for babies and pets too.
• Make sure you have enough prescription and other medicines for 14 days. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Get books, school work and appropriate activities ready at home in case schools close. Children may feel stressed or anxious during a pandemic, but there are ways you can help them to feel better.
• Consider what you might require to work from home, such as internet access.
• Stay updated by listening to radio and TV news, and checking trusted government websites.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How do I slow the spread of disease during a pandemic?

It is in everyone’s best interest to slow the spread of disease during a pandemic. There are many different ways to do this. It’s important that you follow the recommendations and requirements set out by your local health authority — these will change as the situation in your local area changes.

You may need to isolate yourself (‘self-isolate’) during a pandemic if you have symptoms, or if you’re confirmed as having the virus but don’t have any symptoms.

If you need to isolate yourself, here’s what to do:

• Stay home for the recommended time period. Only leave isolation if instructed by your doctor, such as for medical care. Do not go to work, school, or visit public places, and do not use public transport, taxis or ride share services.
• Call your doctor before visiting and let them know you have, or might have the virus.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home. If possible use a separate room and bathroom.
• Make sure shared rooms have good airflow by opening windows if you can.
• Keep away from older people and those with health problems. Avoid visitors who don’t need to be there.
• Don’t share dishes, towels, or other personal items. Wash them well with soap and water after use.

Follow all the usual rules of personal hygiene during a pandemic:

• Wear a face mask if you have to be around others. If you can’t wear one, those around you should wear a face mask.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Throw used tissues in a lined bin, and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

If your condition worsens while in isolation, seek medical help right away. You may leave home, but call before going to the doctor or hospital. They may offer a phone or video appointment instead of an in-person appointment. If you have recently travelled, make sure to tell your doctor.

Follow this link if you are caring for someone who needs to be isolated at home during a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What is ‘physical distancing’?

Physical distancing helps lower the risk of infection. You already practise some forms of physical distancing, such as choosing where you stand on the bus or in a line at the supermarket.

Here are some examples of physical distancing:

• Stay 1.5 metres away from others in public.
• Avoid crowded places and large gatherings where it is hard to stay 1.5m apart.
• Don’t attend small gatherings in closed spaces, such as parties or family celebrations.
• Don’t shake hands, hug or kiss.
• Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as newborns, those in aged-care facilities or hospitals or people with weak immune systems.

Other measures, such as cancelling large sporting events, may be enforced by government or private groups and organisations.

Resources and support

• Visit the Immunisation Coalition website to learn about vaccination to help prevent your risk of disease during a pandemic.
• Read more about COVID-19, as well as advice that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has practical advice about protecting yourself from COVID-19.
• The Australian Government Health Department has general information on emergency health management.
• If you are experiencing anxiety or depression during a pandemic, you can call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people (aged 5 to 25) can call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

• Read more on COVID-19 information in languages other than English
• If you have any health concerns and need language support, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131450