The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the deadly H1N1 swine flu virus has “largely run its course” and is now in the post-pandemic phase.

While the virus didn’t mutate into a more lethal form during the pandemic, this doesn’t mean that the threat has disappeared.

WHO says H1N1 is likely to take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and remain in circulation for a number of years.

Director-General Margaret Chan says even in the post-pandemic phase, localised outbreaks “may show significant levels of H1N1 transmission”, as is currently occurring in NZ.

As a result, risk management strategies will continue to be important in detecting and treating the virus, as will vaccination programs.

Unimutual GM Risk Management Services Harry Rosenthal says the successful management of the H1N1 outbreak has taught institutions the importance of planning for pandemics, and left them better prepared for future threats.

“The swine flu should not be regarded as ‘much ado about nothing’ simply because the global community was lucky this time,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “The possibility of a future global pandemic is still very high, and the preparation and activity undertaken by the sector last year was appropriate and fully warranted.”

Recent studies show that 20%-40% of populations in some areas have been infected by the H1N1 virus, and so will have some level of protective immunity in addition to those who have received vaccinations.

Also see ANALYSIS