Clinical guidelines for patients with an influenza like illness during an influenza pandemic (2006)

This document is intended for use in the UK in the event that the World Health Organization declares that an influenza pandemic has started,1 and the Department of Health in England (UK-wide lead agency on pandemic influenza, including the devolved administrations) has declared UK Pandemic Alert Level 2 (cases of pandemic influenza identified within the UK). These guidelines are not relevant for the management of patients affected by seasonal/ interpandemic influenza, lower respiratory tract infections, community acquired pneumonia or exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Once an influenza pandemic is under way, users are strongly urged to ensure that they refer to the most up-to-date version of these guidelines (from web-based access points).