You may be able to protect yourself better if you understand the extent of what could happen during a pandemic and know what actions you can take to reduce the impact on you and your family. Think about the particular challenges you may face, especially if a pandemic is severe.

The Government has issued advice on preparing for any emergency, which you can access here. In the event of pandemic influenza the Government will also keep you informed through the media with the most up to date help and advice.

Maintaining good hygiene practices is always important. By following these easy steps, you can reduce the risk of many infectious diseases and maintain a safer, healthier home.

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Click here for further information about hand washing.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES REGULARLY

Cleaning surfaces with detergent and water will remove dirt and sufficient germs from an object provided you scrub all the surfaces and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. However, where this is not possible, e.g. for large or fixed surfaces that you cannot rinse properly such as kitchen worktops and door handles, it is important to use a disinfectant to kill the germs. Click here for more information.

HANDLE AND PREPARE FOOD SAFELY

• Clean hands and surfaces immediately prior to preparing food and immediately after contact with raw food (especially poultry).
• Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Do not cross-contaminate.
• Cook food thoroughly (especially meat).
• Refrigerate food promptly.

Click here for more information about preparing food safely. The Food Standards Agency also provides lots of useful information, which you can access here.

USE A TISSUE

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible. Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.

GET IMMUNISED

Make sure you and your children get the vaccinations suggested by your doctor. For more information about immunisations, click here.

USE ANTIBIOTICS APPROPRIATELY

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, such as those that cause colds and influenza. You should only take them when your doctor prescribes them. Click here for more information about using antibiotics.