Pandemic

A concentrated occurrence of an infectious disease within a certain period of time or population is called an epidemic (e. g. cholera, typhoid, legionnaires’ disease). Switzerland annually becomes the victim of influenza waves that can become epidemic in extent. A pandemic is a temporarily limited, world-wide, massive outbreak of an infection (flu, AIDS etc.). The risk of a pandemic is assessed to be high because in this day and age, infectious diseases are able to spread rapidly all over the globe.

Depending on the pathogen, a pandemic can present a great threat to your health. If you are infected yourself, you may need medical treatment. During a pandemic, public life is severely restricted for weeks. Services such as telephoning, garbage disposal, etc. may be limited as the staff is missing who normally cater for the services. Events involving large concentrations of people (cinema, sports events, exhibitions etc.) might be prohibited. The supply of goods may also diminish because world-wide production is declining.

• Seasonal flu (influenza)
• Pig flu (H1N1), 2009
• Spanish flu, 1918
• HIV/AIDS

1. Get yourself vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu.
2. Wash and disinfect your hands regularly.
3. Cough and sneeze into a paper handkerchief or, if you have no other option, into the crook of your arm.
4. Avoid major events and large crowds, forgo shaking hands and salutary kisses, keep your distance to other people.
5. Stay at home if you have flu symptoms. Particularly avoid contact with groups that are at risk. Wear a hygienic mask in the presence of other people.
6. Follow the instructions of the authorities.

1. Inform yourself via radio and television and follow the instructions given by the authorities and emergency organisations.
2. Call the emergency services only in an emergency.
3. Use the telephone and other important means of communication only for important and urgent requirements (danger of network overload).
4. Use cars and other means of transport only for important and urgent requirements (danger of traffic overload).
5. Act particularly careful in traffic (danger due to breakdown of traffic lights, barriers etc.).
6. Inform and support neighbours and people needing assistance in your vicinity.

• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)