Pandemics are the result of a human virus emerging and spreading around the world quickly due to lack of population immunity. The virus’ transmission route and other characteristics will determine how and where spread is most likely to occur, its impacts on society and the government’s response.

RISK IMPACTS and CONSEQUENCES

Pandemic disease can affect anyone and usually occurs in waves that can affect up to half of the UK population, causing significant loss of life.  Vulnerable people may be affected by the pandemic, but it is likely that healthy people will also be affected.  The lack of immunity means the virus has the potential to spread very quickly.  It is important that the health and social care system, as well as wider society, is ready to minimise the impact and an effective response to a pandemic will require the co-operation of a wide range of organisations and the active support of the public.