Pandemic flu Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.
Answers to questions about pandemic flu
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How can I look after my child during a flu pandemic?
- Can I still go on holiday abroad during a pandemic?
- How will I get antivirals if a flu pandemic begins?
How can I look after my child during a flu pandemic?
There are a number of things you can do to look after your child during a pandemic.
Explanation
If there is a flu pandemic, it's important to make sure your child follows the same good hygiene rules as you. Your child should:
- cover his or her nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- put used tissues in a bag and then in the bin as quickly as possible
- wash his or her hands with soap and water as often as possible
- stay away from large crowds of people
- not travel unless it's necessary.
If your child has symptoms of flu, there are a number of things you can do to make him or her more comfortable. You should make sure your child drinks enough fluids to avoid dehydration and rests.
The painkillers you normally give your child may also relieve symptoms such as headaches or fevers. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
If there is a flu pandemic, it's also very important to look after yourself, as well as your family.
You should follow government advice during a pandemic.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - World Health Organisation
www.who.int
Sources
- Chief Medical Officer. Explaining pandemic flu: a guide from the CMO. London: Department of Health, 2005
- Pandemic flu. London Resilience Partnership. www.londonprepared.gov.uk , accessed 20 January 2009
- Pandemic flu - frequently asked questions. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk , accessed 20 January 2009
Can I still go on holiday abroad during a pandemic?
During a pandemic, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will tell you whether you're able to travel abroad. However, the government recommends that you limit all non-essential travel.
Explanation
At the moment, the government is not planning on restricting travel inside the UK during a flu pandemic. However, it may become necessary to do this so you should check up-to-date advice before you travel.
If you're planning to travel abroad during a flu pandemic, check the FCO's travel advice website. This will tell you what the latest recommendations are for the countries you're travelling to.
You should also follow government advice on travelling during a pandemic.
Further information
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
www.fco.gov.uk - World Health Organisation
www.who.int
Sources
- Avian & pandemic influenza. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. www.fco.gov.uk, accessed 23 January 2009
- Pandemic flu - frequently asked questions. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 20 January 2009
How will I get antivirals if a flu pandemic begins?
In the event of a flu pandemic, the Department of Health will set up a National Pandemic Flu Line, which you can contact for more information.
Explanation
Antivirals can currently only be prescribed by a doctor. However, the UK government is working on legislation and guidelines to ensure that during a pandemic, people who become ill will be able to have easier access to antivirals. This will help GPs to treat patients. It's planned that people will be able to phone the National Pandemic Flu Line to be assessed and get authorisation for treatment over the phone. It's important to note that antivirals will probably only reduce the length of time symptoms last. It's not yet known whether they will prevent any serious complications of pandemic flu, such as pneumonia.
Further information
- Department of Health
www.dh.gov.uk - World Health Organisation
www.who.int
Sources
- Pandemic flu - frequently asked questions. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 20 January 2009
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: April 2009
Pandemic flu factsheet
Visit the pandemic flu factsheet for more information
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