Why do preparations need to be made for a pandemic?
Faced with the risk of a flu pandemic, the government has planned prevention and control measures; this Web document, the aim of which is to enable us to better manage our daily lives in the event of a pandemic, forms part of this drive. The development of a new vaccine against the pandemic virus will take several months; every one of us now has the duty to prepare ourselves so that we know, when the time comes, how to protect ourselves, protect others and live on a daily basis.
Preparing ourselves means protecting our health and curbing the pandemic
In winter, seasonal flu affects around 2.5 million people in our country and causes at least 250,000 deaths every year worldwide, according to the WHO.
The hypothesis stated in the national plan anticipates that in the event of a pandemic, 9 million to 20 million people will be affected if there are no protective measures. Of these individuals, between 455,000 and 1 million will require hospitalisation. Meanwhile, the number of deaths could total 212,000 if no preventive measures are taken.
Essential hygiene rules exist and must be observed. In this respect, the sheets of topic II hereinafter state the main actions and behaviours to adopt. Generally speaking, numerous pieces of practical advice contained in the pages of this Web document are common knowledge but are sometimes forgotten. These need to form part of our everyday lives, as they play a key role in health terms. Only this responsible attitude, adopted when necessary, will reduce the risks for our health and prevent the contamination of those around us in the event of illness. This approach will enable us to curb the speed at which the pandemic progresses.
Preparing ourselves means carrying on with economic and social activities
The more people fall ill, the more sick leave will be taken in businesses and administrative bodies. The rate of sick leave could reach 40% at the peak of a pandemic. Economic activity will then be difficult to maintain. Preparing ourselves for a pandemic by containing its spread will enable our country’s social and economic activities to function as normally as possible for as long as possible for the benefit of us all collectively and as individuals.