WHAT IT IS

Pandemic flu is an outbreak of a new strain of flu that spreads quickly around the world. Unlike the regular seasonal flu, far more people will get sick and they will be sicker than they would normally be with flu.

Once a pandemic virus emerges, it could take six to 12 months for a vaccine to be developed and provided to the whole community. In the meantime, many people in Tasmania could get sick, some may die, and the social and economic impacts will be substantial.

There have been three pandemics in the past 100 years and all of them have had a large impact on individuals, families and businesses.

WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU

A new strain of flu has emerged in Mexico called H1N1 Influenza A (human swine flu). It is spreading to other countries, and from person to person in several of these countries.

The World Health Organisation has advised that a pandemic could be imminent and that it is time to finalise our organisation, communication and planning measures.

ADDITIONAL FACTS (May 26)

Dr Pickin says: ``We now know that the H1N1 Influenza 09 virus spreads rapidly, particularly within schools and it is more contagious than seasonal flu.

``The median age for people suffering from the virus is 23 years.

``While most have mild symptoms, the virus does have a hospitalisation rate of between 2 and 6%.

``Around half of those who are hospitalised have an underlying condition such as asthma, lung disease or diabetes.

``Around half are people who were previously healthy.''

Dr Pickin said the health department message remained the same:

THE KEY MESSAGE TO THE TASMANIAN PUBLIC IS:

Phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC) without delay if you develop a flu-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat, blocked/runny nose) within seven days of travel to Mexico, the US, Canada, Japan and Panama; or within seven days of contact with someone suspected of having swine flu. Please phone this number BEFORE going to a hospital, pharmacy or your GP.

INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS VIEWERS OF THIS STORY SHOULD CHECK WITH THEIR OFFICIAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

The following advice comes from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia:

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS ILL WITH FLU

--Designate one person as the care giver.

--Keep everyone's personal items separate.

--All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.

--Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.

--Wash everyone's dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.

--Wash everyone's clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would.

--Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.

--Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.