Pandemic Flu

Enfield Council is working with partners to ensure that we have strong response should pandemic flu occur. We encourage people to gain information about pandemic flu, and its potential affect on their family and wider community. Further information can be obtained for the Department of Health website – www.dh.gov.uk

What is Pandemic Flu?

Pandemic Flu is a type of influenza that spreads rapidly affecting many countries and regions of the world. The reason it spreads so quickly is due to the emergence of a new virus which is different from recently circulating strains. This means that few, if any people will have any immunity to this new virus.

Pandemic Flu is more serious than ordinary flu. It is predicted that as much as a quarter of the population may be affected. However, we cannot be sure about its impact, as each pandemic is different.

What is the link between Avian Flu (Bird Flu) and Pandemic Flu?

Bird Flu (strain H5N1) is a virus that usually infects birds, but occasionally crosses the species barrier and infects humans. There are fears that this virus may change with time and become a more serious threat to humans and start a pandemic.

What should we do?

It is important to remain aware of the threat of a pandemic by watching the news. It will also be useful to learn about how to reduce the risk of infection once pandemic flu occurs. Information is available on the following websites:

Department of Health – www.dh.gov.uk
Health and Safety Executive – www.hse.gov.uk
World Health Organisation – www.who.int
National Health Service – www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Health protection Agency – www.hpa.org.uk

Planning

Businesses need to plan for the impact that a flu pandemic will have on their organisation. For example, a reduced number of staff due to illness or caring for sick family members. A good business continuity plan will help in ensuring you can continue running or plan a reduced service. Also infection control measures will be essential.

Parents should also be planning what they will do if for example schools close and their children need to stay at home. It is not certain that schools will close, but it is a possibility that parents and guardians should plan for.

Pandemic Flu Game

Camden PCT has created a game which simulates the impact that Pandemic Flu may have on a business. You can download this game (FREE) at:
http://www.camdenpct.nhs.uk/about/emergencyplanning.htm

This document was last updated on 2008-07-28 14:36:27 published by the team. Document Reference:LBE_133110