Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

What is Pandemic Flu?

Measles Information

Norovirus NHS Briefing Note - PDF (January, 2012) Measles - Don't let your child catch it (Leaflet) Vaccination - It's not just for children (Leaflet)

Pandemic flu is a type of influenza that occurs every few decades and which spreads rapidly to affect most countries around the world. The symptoms of pandemic flu are similar to those of ordinary flu but are usually more severe.

Flu viruses are constantly changing and producing new strains. Pandemics occur when a virus develops that is so different from previously circulating strains that few , if any people have immunity to it. This allows it to spread widely and rapidly, affecting many hundreds of thousands of people.

It is recommended that schools and other settings should prepare plans for a flu pandemic as part of their general emergency planning and should ensure these are shared with staff, and as appropriate, parents.

During a Flu Pandemic the local authority will act on national advice in respect of school closures.

The Local Authority has produced a document: Guidance for Schools, Childcare and Early Years Settings, this has been consulted on with head teachers and unions. If you have any comments or additions regarding the document or website please contact Andrea Randall on 01926 742346.

For more information on Emergency Planning and Advice for Health Emergencies and to download a copy of the Warwickshire Multi-agency Pandemic Flu plan, please visit the Emergency Planning and Advice pages