Swine flu pandemic advice for customers
The World Health Organisation has declared swine flu a global pandemic. Here you can get the latest guidance on treatment and find out what your ihi Bupa policy covers.
The flu pandemic remains at phase six, as declared on 11 June 2009 by the World Health Organisation. As of 9 October 2009, there have been more than 340,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, and more than 4,100 deaths worldwide.
The severity of the virus is “moderate”, meaning most people do not need hospital treatment. More serious cases and deaths have been in young people, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.
You can read more about swine flu in this medical factsheet.
Where are the vaccines available?
Vaccines for influenza A (H1N1) have been licensed in Australia, China and the USA, with more licences expected in Japan and Europe soon. In affluent countries, the number of vaccines available should cover most of the population. Donations of vaccines for low and middle-income countries have been promised by various countries worldwide, and the WHO expects to start distributing these in November.
Is there going to be a second wave?
At the moment, no one is sure whether there will be a second wave of influenza A (H1N1) or how bad it will be. However, data from the WHO show that in the northern hemisphere, the number of cases of influenza has increased and that more people are affected than would normally be expected at this time of the year. In the southern hemisphere, influenza cases have returned to normal levels.
How can I protect myself?
The best advice for everyone to reduce the risk and spread of infection is still:
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and use a tissue when possible
• dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• maintain good basic hygiene, for example, washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or other people
• clean hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• make sure your children follow this advice
• if you have symptoms of the flu: stay at home, don't go to work, don't visit your doctor but call him or her for advice
Should I be wearing a face mask?
There's no evidence that wearing a face mask will protect you against the flu virus. However, because the virus can be spread through coughing and sneezing, if you have become infected, wearing a mask may prevent you from infecting other people.
What travel restrictions are there?
The WHO still doesn’t recommend any restrictions on travel.
As an ihi Bupa customer, am I covered?
ihi Bupa provides cover for influenza A (H1N1). The details of the cover will depend on your scheme and is subject to the standard terms of your scheme. At the moment, Bupa doesn't recommend evacuation from any affected areas abroad.
More about the swine flu virus
You can find out more about the swine flu virus in our medical guide, which provides detailed information on diagnosis, medicines and treatment. The WHO website also has a special report on swine flu, where you can get information about the response in specific regions.