Nationwide Healthcare Connections

Healthcare Connections is an occupational health company providing solutions to businesses and organisations planning for a human flu pandemic.

In contrast to ‘ordinary’ or ‘seasonal’ flu outbreaks, which we see every winter, resulting in around 12,000 deaths each year in the UK, flu pandemics occur less frequently, usually only every few decades.

Pandemic Protection Plans

On 11th June 2009 the World Health Organisation declared a global H1N1 pandemic. Governments across the world responded accordingly. Thankfully in this instance the virus was not as devastating as had been predicted. However, it still killed over 18,000 people and we should still plan & protect. Find out why:

Throughout history influenza pandemics have been a regular occurance, this means that scientists can study the patterns and make estimations about the next possible pandemic outbreak. In recent years, they have closely watched both Swine Flu (H1N1) and Bird Flu (H5N1). A new or mutated version of an influenza virus could potentially cause a pandemic similar to the 1918 Spanish Influenza outbreak, which is thought to have killed 40-50 million people.

NEWS FLASH: 29.08.2011 - The BBC report of the growing Bird Flu Fear as mutant strain hits China & Vietnam - see our Articles section for full details.

Antiviral medication still has a major preventative and protective role to play, especially where vaccination does not cover you or is not available.

How will businesses cope?

With businesses and organisations already struggling in a difficult economic climate, a pandemic flu outbreak can be crippling. Crisis management teams and business continuity planners must analyse the potential impact of an influenza pandemic. Plans should include scenarios for differing levels of employee absenteeism resulting from sickness, refusal to travel/attend work or the necessity to care for family members in a pandemic situation.

A flu pandemic is a healthcare issue that raises the possibility of large scale staff shortages. Therefore the main focus of our solution is to manage absenteeism by a targeted protection plan. This site contains vital information about how to manage the effect of flu on your organisation.

Healthcare Connections Ltd offers a unique pre-pandemic influenza healthcare solution for businesses, Trade Unions and Organisations - our Antiviral Protection Plan. Find out more about the Antiviral Protection Plan and how it works.

How swine 'flu has spread

Pandemic 'flu alert chart

Articles

Bird Flu fear as mutant strain hits China and Vietnam

29 August 2011 - According to the BBC, avian flu shows signs of a resurgence, while a mutant strain - able to sidestep vaccines - could be spreading in Asia, the United Nations has warned. Read the full
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10 March 2011 Flu Figures

Latest figures from the HPA show the number of deaths from Influenza - 546.
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Influenza Deaths Reach 254

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show an increase in the number of influenza deaths - 20 January 2011. The total number of people who are reported to have died from flu in the UK since the season began in October has reached 254.
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Swine Flu Deaths continue to rise

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show as of 5 January 2011, 50 fatal cases have been verified as relating to influenza infection. Of these cases, 45 have been associated with swine flu (H1N1 2009) infection and five with influenza B infection.
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