Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, which typically
occurs as an epidemic during the cold months. Serious human
influenza epidemics are rare, but recurrently they are more
severe than the normal seasonal outbreaks, in which case they
are also called pandemics. A pandemic occurs when a new
influenza virus emerges and starts spreading all around the
world as easily as normal influenza. All EU Member States are
working together to coordinate preparedness for any influenza
pandemic. In the event of an increased risk of an influenza
pandemic, the measures envisaged in the national and EU
preparedness and response plans would be put into action. The
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control plays a key
role in coordinating surveillance. Further action includes
medical and non-medical countermeasures and close coordination
between the national authorities, the European Union and the
WHO. The EU will continue to work to improve sharing of relevant
information and to coordinate risk management mea