A pandemic (from the Greek pan “all” + demos “people”) is an epidemic of infectious disease that
spreads through human populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even
worldwide.
Flu pandemics exclude seasonal flu, however the health and hygiene principals for minimizing the
chance of catching either are very similar.
Throughout history there have been a number of pandemics, such as smallpox and tuberculosis.
More recent pandemics include the HIV pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 so called Swine Flu
pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has produced a six-stage classification that describes the
process by which a novel influenza virus moves from the first few infections in humans through
to a pandemic. This starts with the virus mostly infecting animals, with a few cases where animals
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infect people, then moves through the stage where the virus begins to spread directly between
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people, and ends with a pandemic when infections from the new virus have spread worldwide.
What can you do to prevent infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory/ hand hygiene can help to reduce trans-
mission of all viruses, including human pandemic. Naturally whenever a pandemic threat emerges,
you’ll receive up to date information about specific action to take, however as a general rule the
following controls are effective against most types of epidemic and should be used to minimize
impact from general colds/flu. They include:
•
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and
disposing of dirty tissues quickly and carefully.
•
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to
reduce the spread of the virus.
• Making use of anti-bacterial sprays/ gels.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (for example, door handles) frequently.
• You should make sure children and other members of your household follow this advice.
Washing Hands
Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact, although you don’t necessarily have to be
in the sameroom or at the same time as one another. If someone who has a flu or a cold sneezes