Taking care of others

Already most people with seasonal influenza are cared for at home by family and friends. Pandemic influenza would be no different.

Just like run-of-the mill influenza, only a very small number of people require anything more than lots of fluids, bed rest and paracetamol.

While influenza can make you feel very unwell and can be serious for some people, the majority of people recover just fine, given time and the basics.

In a pandemic, special Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) would be set up to provide advice and GP and nurse consultations to people with influenza. Only those with the gravest need for hospital care would be sent to hospital. The rest of us would be supported at home with good information, access to telephone assistance and the help of friends, neighbours and family.

Normal care services will be very different in a flu pandemic - for this reason you may have to care for the sick members of your household yourself

Seek advice from health authorities - be alert to their communications

People with influenza become dehydrated very easily - keeping them hydrated is the single most important treatment. Be vigilant with your efforts

Practice cough and sneeze etiquette

Wash your hands regularly after contact with a sick person

A simple rehydration formula can be made very easily (see the recipes on the 'Fluids and rehyderation' page of this section). Your urine should always be the colour of white wine. If it is orange then you need to drink more

If the fever is mild and there are no other complications, adequate fluids and rest should be all that are needed. No other medical treatment should be necessary

Don’t worry about food until patients start regaining their appetite – this is a good sign of recovery

Introduce foods slowly – begin with easy to digest foods and then increase variety.

Many thanks to Bronwen King for permission to use her chapter from 'Survive Bird Flu and Other Disasters' in this section.