General practice

An influenza pandemic is a real threat which requires careful planning in the areas of clinical work, infection control and communication.

General practices may be the first to see a suspected pandemic strain of influenza in humans and they will be important in the provision of:

1. Clinical assessment and
   1. referral of suspected cases in the early containment phase
   2. care of confirmed cases in the pandemic or maintenance phase
2. Information, support and reassurance to concerned people
3. Clinical management of people with chronic diseases usually managed through hospitals
4. Home care (if practical)
   1. for suspected cases in the containment phase
   2. for mildly ill or even terminally ill flu patients in the maintenance phase
5. Referral of people requiring social support to local councils and appropriate agencies

The Department of Human Services together with General Practice Divisions Victoria, Australian Medical Association (Victoria), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Australian Practice Nurses Association have developed an information kit and workplan to assist general practices with their planning.

See the following pages:

• What you need to do
• Pandemic alert period – Overseas 3 = Now
• Pandemic phases Australia 3 to Australia 5
• Pandemic in Australia phase 6

Or download the document below:

Preparing for an influenza pandemic: An information kit and workplan for general practice (330kb, pdf)

For more information and links to other sites, see Resources for Health Professionals.

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