Emergencies preparedness, response

What is post-pandemic?

10 August 2010





Does the end of the influenza pandemic mean that fewer people will become sick and die of the H1N1 (2009) virus?

The future impact of the H1N1 (2009) virus is not possible to predict. On the one hand, the H1N1 (2009) virus is expected to continue to circulate as a seasonal influenza strain for the foreseeable future and because of this, more people will develop immunity to this current version of the virus. On the other hand, the virus is also expected to change over time as a result of antigenic drift and these changes may mean that the immunity that has developed to this strain of the virus may become less protective against future strains of this virus. In addition, many people were not infected by the H1N1 (2009) virus during the pandemic, and there may be areas of some countries that were less severely affected during the pandemic that can still experience significant outbreaks.


WHO has been monitoring epidemiological and virological evidence from all parts of the world, including both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, to determine when the pandemic is over. WHO has waited until the winter in the Southern Hemisphere in order to determine whether the H1N1 (2009) virus is beginning to behave like seasonal influenza.

What does the end of the pandemic mean for individuals?

Regardless of whether the world is in a pandemic situation or not, influenza viruses pose a risk of disease to many individuals and therefore, individuals should take prudent steps to reduce their risk of infection. Such steps include the use of influenza vaccine when available and especially if they are in a group recognised to be at higher risk for severe illness. Most individuals who become ill can be treated safely at home, but caretakers and family members should be aware that if an individual develops symptoms suggesting more severe disease, such as prolonged high fever, trouble breathing, or confusion, then professional medical care should be sought.

Will the H1N1 (2009) influenza virus continue to cause severe illness among the same higher risk groups?

Based on available evidence, the H1N1 (2009) virus currently continues to pose a higher risk for severe illness in some groups, including young children, pregnant women and those with respiratory or chronic health conditions.

What can individuals do to protect themselves from the H1N1 (2009) influenza virus?

Individuals can continue to protect themselves and others from the H1N1 (2009) virus, and other influenza viruses, through preventive measures such as practicing respiratory etiquette, including covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and good hand hygiene. WHO also continues to recommend vaccination against the virus as the best protection, when available. Vaccination can be with a monovalent (single virus) pandemic vaccine, or a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (which includes the H1N1 (2009) strain, as well as other seasonal strains H3 and B), depending on whichever is available.

What major public health measures are recommended to countries now?


WHO recommends that countries:

  • maintain monitoring for influenza, through routine respiratory disease surveillance and reporting as well as monitoring and investigating unusual disease patterns suggestive of potential changes in the severity, and monitoring of the H1N1 virus for important changes;
  • continue prevention and control efforts to reduce the impact of influenza, including vaccination against influenza. The pandemic monovalent H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal influenza vaccines both now cover the H1N1 virus, either may be used depending on which is available and according to national guidelines.

The H1N1 pandemic provided a significant challenge to all countries. WHO encourages countries to assess their experience and identify lessons that can be applied to strengthen their preparedness and response to future pandemics.


WHO's guidelines for use of antiviral medicines cover both seasonal and pandemic influenza and should continue to be followed. Although we are now in the post pandemic period, the H1N1 (2009) virus is still circulating as one of the seasonal flu strains. It is likely that we will still see severe illness in higher risk individuals as well as otherwise healthy persons. Early recognition and appropriate treatment remain important.

Should people continue to be vaccinated against the H1N1 (2009) influenza virus? If so, how?


The current seasonal trivalent vaccine includes the H1N1 (2009) strain, as well as other seasonal strains (H3, B), and will therefore protect against all the expected seasonal influenza viruses. The monovalent (single virus) pandemic vaccine will only protect against the H1N1 (2009) virus.

Since no one can accurately predict which, or how many, of the circulating influenza viruses will infect them, the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine will provide the broadest protection. However, in some places the trivalent vaccine is not available and in such circumstances, it is still prudent to be vaccinated against the H1N1 (2009) virus using the monovalent H1N1 vaccine to prevent severe illness.