Pandemic Flu
What is the risk of pandemic flu to Lincolnshire?
Pandemics have been caused by both viruses and bacteria. They are natural events that happen when a unique novel pathogen begins to spread that few people (if any) are immune to. Since people aren’t immune, it will cause more serious illness in a large proportion of the population.
Each pandemic is different and its impacts/nature cannot be known in advance. It could affect all ages, all populations, but we won’t know who will be most at risk until it happens.
How could pandemic flu
affect you and your community?
Each pandemic is different and its impacts/nature cannot be known in advance. It could affect all ages, all populations, but we won’t know who will be most at risk until it happens.
- Risk to life
- Impacts on all aspects of society
- Health impacts on the elderly and vulnerable
- Impact on education
- Impact on businesses
- Significant strain on responding organisations
We can all be better prepared to
respond and recover from pandemic flu
Follow these practical steps so you and your family can be better prepared for recovery from a pandemic flu.
Keep healthy
A healthy lifestyle can be a great defense against flu and other illnesses.
Identify a ‘flu friend’
Create an emergency medicine supply
Keep personal stocks of “over the counter” cold and flu medication to help relieve your symptoms.
Get vaccinated
The annual flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of flu. It is free for those most at risk.
Look out for and follow advice and guidance from the NHS
How to prepare
your business
How to prepare
your community
To respond to pandemic flu
Stay up to date with the latest information and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on any emerging new diseases.
Ensure you follow any national or local temporary restrictions that have been put in place to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Refer to the NHS Website for information on the signs, symptoms and treatment options for the emerging disease of concern.
- For pandemic flu, good hygiene remains the most effective defense until a vaccine can be developed. Antibiotics will not have any effect on flu, as it is a virus and antibiotics only kill bacteria.
- Flu germs can live on some surfaces for hours. If you have flu, the best way you can protect others by carrying tissues with you, using them to catch your coughs and sneezes, binning the tissue, and washing your hands with soap and water (or use a sanitiser gel).
If you have concerns about early symptoms then call the 24/7 NHS non-emergency number 111.
For emergencies dial 999.
Find your emergency contacts for pandemic flu
Recovering from a pandemic flu
- Stay up to date as guidance changes and restrictions are lifted (if applicable), by visiting the Gov.UK website.
- Ensure you follow the additional guidance relevant to any pre-existing health conditions you have. If you’re not sure what to do then contact your GP for advice.
What can you do to support your community?
Identify neighbours who may need assistance (such as delivery of essential supplies) or who may be able to provide assistance to you in the event of restrictions on movement or if you need to self-isolate.
How prepared is your business?
- Review any business continuity plans to ensure your business can cope in times of staff shortages.
- Do you have suitable risk assessments in place for the threat of an emerging infectious disease?
- Can you quickly work with your staff members or volunteers to complete individual risk assessments, if necessary, to protect those who may be at increased risk from the emerging infectious disease?
What is being done to become
better prepared?
We work together to:
- Manage the demand on the NHS and social care.
- Distribute anti-viral medication to the public.
- Provide vaccinations.
- Oversee public awareness and media management.
- Manage excessive levels of death.
Individual LRF organisations have their own business continuity plans in place to cope in times of staff shortage.
Who is responsible for managing
a pandemic flu in the county?
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
NHS call 111
UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further resources
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