Influenza (Flu)

• Step 1 - Early Warnings
• Step 2 - Be Prepared
• Groups at Higher Risk
• Haringey Pandemic Influenza Plan
• External Guidance

Influenza (Flu) is usually seasonal and comes in waves. However, a pandemic can occur at anytime and is caused by a new flu virus that many of the human population have little or no immunity to. For an epidemic to become a pandemic, the flu has to be on a worldwide scale, affecting vast amounts of people. Reducing the spread of infection can help to reduce the risk of a pandemic.

Step 1 – Early Warnings

Be aware of the situation. In addition to watching the news and listening to radio updates, there are other ways to stay informed:

• NHS England website (external link) - for up to date guidance and advice
• Social media - emergency updates will be published on our social media channels:
  • Twitter: follow @haringeycouncil (external link)
  • Facebook: find us on Facebook (external link)

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Step 2 – Be Prepared

• Ensure you and anyone you are responsible for are up to date with flu vaccinations
• Keep a stock of medicine to help relieve symptoms
• If you are on prescription medication, consider keeping a back-up as doctors surgeries will become very busy in the event of a flu outbreak
• During the flu season, consider keeping a stock of non-perishable food so you don’t have to leave your home if you become ill
• Familiarise yourself with flu symptoms so you can spot the flu earlier and avoid spreading the virus
• In the event of a flu outbreak, there are certain steps you can take to reduce the spread of the virus:
  • 'Catch it. Bin it. Kill it' is the catchy advisory slogan used by the government to encourage the public to practice correct respiratory and hygienic procedure to reduce the spread of germs. See the External Guidance section below for further details
  • Consider purchasing hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of germs
  • Try to avoid touching your nose and mouth, as this is the main path of infection
  • If you contract influenza it advised you stay at home for one week

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Groups at Higher Risk

Certain vulnerable groups are more at risk of complications associated with Influenza. These include:

• Elderly people
• Young children and babies
• Pregnant women
• People who suffer from respiration illness and chronic disorders

It is important to monitor vulnerable people carefully and seek medical advice if there is any doubt concerning their health.

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Haringey Pandemic Influenza Plan

• This plan provides the framework for coordinating the London Borough Haringey’s multi-agency response to an influenza pandemic.

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External Guidance

This section provides external links for further advice from our partner agencies:

• For information from the NHS on current and future outbreak preparations, see the NHS England Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (external link)
• For further information on the 'Catch it. Bin it. Kill it' campaign to help reduce flu infections see the GOV.UK website (external link)
• For information from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) see the UKHSA webpage (external link)

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