Pandemic

A pandemic is an infectious disease outbreak that spans several countries. It spreads easily from person to person and affects a large number of people.

As we experienced with COVID-19, a pandemic can claim millions of lives, disrupt society, and devastate the economy by causing:

Death, illness, and long-term sickness at a large scale
Emotional and psychological trauma
Social isolation
Difficulty in accessing healthcare
Disruption to businesses and organisations
Impact on the economy

People who are more at risk

A pandemic affects everyone, but there are some groups who are more at risk of becoming dangerously ill:

People who have a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed) or other underlying health conditions
Older adults
Pregnant people, babies, and young children
Disabled people
People from certain ethnic backgrounds

How to prepare for a pandemic

Understand how diseases spread

Viruses can spread through direct contact with someone who is infected - even if they don't have any symptoms. For example, if an infected person kisses, or coughs or sneezes on someone who isn't infected.

They can also spread through indirect contact if you touch an object that has been touched by an infected person - like a door handle, table top, or tap.

Make a plan and get emergency supplies

You may have to self-isolate during a pandemic to help stop the spread of disease. This means you may not be able to leave the house to get food, medication or other essential supplies.

Make sure you have everything you need by creating a household emergency plan and preparing a grab-bag of essential supplies.

Take care of your physical health

One of the best defences against a disease is a healthy immune system and good physical health.

A healthy diet, rest, and physical health activity can help maintain your physical health.

Get health advice from the NHS, including:

Eating well
Exercise
Sleep and tiredness
Quitting smoking

Make positive changes to improve your health with Ready to Change.

Keep up to date with vaccinations

Vaccines are the safest way to protect yourself and your family from serious infection - they help you stay healthy.

If you're eligible, get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

How to get a flu or COVID-19 vaccination (NHS.UK)

Getting vaccinated every year helps prevent the spread of infectious disease and reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms. Read why vaccinations are important and how they work (NHS.UK).

Protect yourself and others in a pandemic

Follow safety advice

Always follow guidance from the Government, NHS, and local authorities.

Practice good hygiene

Wash your hands with soap and water often - especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after you cough or sneeze.

How to wash your hands (NHS.UK)

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, and throw used tissues in the bin. If you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow, not your hands.

Clean and disinfect surfaces that people touch a lot - like door handles, taps and table tops.

Avoid contact with sick people

Where possible, stay away from people who are sick with an infectious disease. Avoid contact with others while you are sick.

Get medical help

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

To get urgent medical help or advice in a non-life-threatening emergency, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Supporting mental health

A pandemic can severely affect some people's mental health. You may experience low mood and depression, feelings of helplessness, and stress.

These resources explain what you can expect to feel after a traumatic event. They can help you understand and have more control over your experience:

Most people who have been through a traumatic event find their symptoms fade over time. If you find your symptoms do not improve, there are local organisations that provide mental health support.