Unlike ordinary seasonal influenza that occurs every winter in the UK, pandemic flu can occur at any time of the year.
Pandemics arise when a new virus emerges which is capable of spreading in the worldwide population.
Good hand hygiene techniques are important and can significantly reduce the risks of spreading the infection.
Steps that can be taken during an outbreak are:
- cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing using a tissue and dispose of them carefully
- avoid non essential travel and crowded places
- maintain good personal hygiene regularly clean surfaces using normal cleaning products