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

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:

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.