Pandemic
A pandemic is the outbreak of a disease on a world-wide scale. A pandemic occurs when a new strain of virus emerges from which this is little or no immunity in the population, and it is readily transferred between humans to produce infection in a high proportion of those exposed.
For individuals and families
Prevention methods
Hygiene
- Wash your hands with soap or alcohol based hand wash
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Don’t share personal items
- Clean all surfaces
- Maintain good health and fitness
Immunisation
- Consider obtaining an annual flu vaccination
- Ensure your children are immunised and receive appropriate boosters
Contact your medical professional to obtain more information about your specific circumstances.
Planning
- Have a plan to stay home for an extended period
- Have pain relief, tissues, food and fluids on hand for at least a weeks stay at home
- Obtain contact information for at-risk neighbours, friends or family members
When unwell
- Stay at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Consult with your medical professional for appropriate pain relief and medication
- Refrain from smoking
- Ask for help if living alone
- Seek medical help and discuss anti-viral medication with your doctor
Further information and advice is available from www.health.vic.gov.au/infectiousdiseases.
For Business Owners
In the event of a pandemic, it is likely that small organisations with limited resources will particularly feel the impact. Even the loss of a few key employees, volunteers or suppliers has the potential to cause major disruptions to an organisations ability to function. With this in mind, non-government organisations should consider developing business continuity and pandemic plans and work closely with local government to manage the effects.