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SWINE FLU LESSONS LEARNT & FUTURE PREPAREDNESS. David Walker MEPS Emergency Planning & Public Health Manager. SCOPE. Journey so far Reflections Look forward Questions. HOW DOES A PANDEMIC OCCUR?. A novel virus Able to transmit easily from human to human
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SWINE FLULESSONS LEARNT & FUTURE PREPAREDNESS David Walker MEPS Emergency Planning & Public Health Manager
SCOPE • Journey so far • Reflections • Look forward • Questions
HOW DOES A PANDEMIC OCCUR? • A novel virus • Able to transmit easily from human to human • Most of the world’s population is susceptible
Seasonal Flu Constantly circulating in the human population Typically peaks in the winter months Normally affects around 10% of the population over a period of a year Vaccine available for the elderly and those with high risks Kills around 12,000 people per year in the UK Avian Flu A disease of birds, caused by strains of the virus endemic in wild birds Can periodically cause destructive epidemics among poultry Isolated reports of human to human spread No strong evidence of sustained transmission across communities FLU AS WE KNOW IT
Influenza A (H1N1v) This particular strain of the virus usually infects pigs but can infect humans Appears to be less severe than anticipated Symptoms - similar to regular human seasonal flu, include: fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea SWINE FLU
Containment Slowing the spread – HPA led Clinical testing of suspect patients Antiviral medication for suspected or confirmed patients Detailed data collection Contact tracing & prophylaxis School closures Treatment Treatment – NHS-led Clinical assessment of suspect patients Give antivirals to those patients at higher risk of serious illness Stop contact tracing & prophylaxis Continue to collect data Schools remain open CONTAINMENT TO TREATMENT
REFLECTIONS • Benefits of early planning • Antiviral distribution • PPE distribution • Regional Flu Response Centre • Assessment & Collection Points • Containment - managing the outbreaks – treatment • Communications • Ongoing appreciation and flexible response
INFLUENZA CARE Key messages: • Stay at home • Don’t spread it around • Follow advice and seek help via your GP/NHS Direct or the National Flu Service - Vaccinations
PATIENT PATHWAY Contact GP or NHS Direct or National Flu Service for assessment Contact www.nhs.uk Flu Information Line 0800 1 513 513 Flu Friend collects antivirals from PCT operated Collection Points OR self help Voucher or Unique Reference Number or GP visit or self help advice as appropriate
CONTINUITY • Treatment of cases • Management of services • HR arrangements • Multi-agency support • Communications
ANY QUESTIONS? david.walker@eoe.nhs.uk 01223 597583