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What is a pandemic?

Key facts

  • A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a disease, such as a type of influenza virus or COVID-19.
  • The Australian Government has a plan to minimise the effect of pandemics, which includes extra personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and border controls.
  • There are things you can do to feel better prepared to deal with pandemics.
  • Knowing how to self-isolate and practise physical distancing will help stop the spread of a pandemic.

What is a pandemic?

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

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 because few, if any, people in the community have immunity to them.

What is the difference between a pandemic and 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 (Opens in new tab) (WHO) can declare when an outbreak becomes a global pandemic.

The WHO works with countries to strengthen responses to health emergencies through global agreements. Australia and other countries take part to better prepare for and respond to future pandemics.

Countries may take steps to reduce the spread of disease 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 (Opens in new tab) and influenza (Opens in new tab) pandemics.

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

Travel measures

During a pandemic, travel rules can change to slow the spread of infection.

You may need to see your doctor before travelling and make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Some countries may require testing before travel. If you test positive, you may not be able to fly and may need to isolate.

Wearing a mask in crowded indoor places and avoiding large crowds can lower your chance of infection. Always check official government advice before you travel, as rules can change quickly.

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 who are confirmed to have the infection, or those who have been in contact with them, may be asked to self-isolate.

Hygiene measures

Health authorities may give information about the importance of good hand and cough hygiene. Handwashing and coughing or sneezing into your elbow help lessen 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. They deal with several areas, such as:

Healthcare professionals and workers who come into close contact with infected individuals also may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks.

Legal measures

Australian Government biosecurity laws and state and territory public health laws can make these rules legally enforceable if needed and allow measures like cruise ship bans and travel restrictions.

How should I prepare for a possible pandemic?

Here are some tips on how to prepare for a pandemic:

  • Talk to family and friends about how you are preparing. Work out who can help you if needed, and whether there is anyone you could support.
  • Write down important phone numbers, addresses, and emails, including your family doctor's contact details.
  • Make a list of food supplies (Opens in new tab)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 at home but do not stockpile. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Get books, schoolwork 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 (Opens in new tab).
  • Consider what you might need to work from home, such as internet access.
  • Stay updated by listening to radio and TV news and checking trusted government websites.

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

It is important to slow the spread of disease during a pandemic. Follow the recommendations and requirements set out by your local health authority — these may change as the situation in your local area changes.

You may need to isolate yourself (stay home) during a pandemic if you have symptoms or if you are confirmed to have the virus.

If you need to isolate yourself, here is what to do:

  • Stay home for the recommended period. Only leave isolation if instructed by your doctor, such as for medical care. Avoid crowded areas.
  • 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 unnecessary visitors.
  • Avoid sharing 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:

  • If you need to be around others, wear a face mask.
  • Throw used tissues away immediately into a bin.
  • Clean your hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing.
  • 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 gets worse while in isolation, seek medical help right away. You may leave home for medical care, but call before going to the doctor or hospital. They may offer a phone or video appointment instead of an in-person appointment. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have recently travelled.

Read more about caring for someone who needs to be isolated at home during a pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

What is 'physical distancing'?

Physical distancing helps lower the risk of infection. Physical distancing means keeping space between yourself and other people to help reduce the spread of viruses.

Here are some examples of physical distancing:

  • Keep at least 1.5 metres from others in public.
  • Avoid crowded or indoor gatherings where physical distancing is difficult.
  • Do not 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.

Private groups or organisations may also take other steps, such as cancelling large sporting events.

Resources and support

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Last reviewed: February 2026

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