When an influenza pandemic happens, many difficult decisions have to be made. Many people will be sick and some will die. Governments will need to decide how to best control the spread of influenza and how to make use of the available health care resources to help those who are ill. Some of the government’s actions may mean that people’s rights will be restricted (e.g. if they are confined to their homes) and some actions may mean that some people will have access to treatment while others may not (e.g. if there is limited room in the hospital). As explained above, ethical principles can serve as a guide when such difficult decisions must be made.