A flu pandemic is the gravest threat to UK security and could claim up to 750,000 lives acccording to the new National Risk Register. Commissioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the register sets out the potential impact of a range of different risks which had previously been kept secret, including flooding and terrorism. It is intended to encourage public and private organisations to consider their response to major emergencies.

Although the register does not set out to rank threats, the information it provides has lead security analysts to agree that a flu pandemic is the gravest threat with the most serious consequences. According to the report, while terrorist attacks are the most likely threat, a flu pandemic is overdue and could claim between 50,000 - 750,000 lives.

Lack of Preparation

The register highlights the fact that many public and private sector organisations are not prepared for a flu pandemic. Ian Kearns, Deputy Chair of think tank IPPR's security commission, gave the example of food transport when commenting on the launch of the register: "... what happens if many of our heavy goods vehicle drivers fell victim to ... influenza and weren't able to perform their jobs? Do we have enough back-up to be able to deliver food to the supermarkets?"

The register confirms fears expressed earlier this year in a report from the House of Lords Inter-governmental Organisations Committee which said much more needs to be done to protect against outbreaks of infectious diseases. The report highlights poor co-ordination between international organisations and governments and says improvements in surveillance and response systems must be made. It also raised concerns that arrangements for detecting new animal diseases were inadequate. Experts predict that many new diseases will start in animals and the most likely source of a flu pandemic is birds.

Innoculation only a partial defence

All organisations and individuals are at risk in a flu pandemic. Innoculation provides only a partial defence as viruses constantly mutate and no one can be sure which strain will cause a pandemic or whether an effective innoculation will be available at the time.

For this reason it is recommended by governments around the world that organisations and individuals delivering key services in areas such as healthcare, veterinary, transportation and government, as well as establishments where large numbers of individuals gather such as schools, maintain stocks of personal protective equipment.

Green Valet have been selected as the main supplier of pandemic infection control kits and packs to the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Our range of simple to use kits and packs provide a one-stop shop solution to pandemic infection control and can be stored in readiness for any outbreaks. Call us now to find out how you can protect yourself and your staff and keep your organisation functioning in the event of a flu pandemic.

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