Psychological Pandemic Preparation
By Carla Frayne

As human beings we like to have control over our world, to be able to predict what will happen, and to maintain a sense that we are relatively safe.  When confronted with the potential of a Pandemic, be this the Swine Flu, Bird Flu, or another type of disease, many people become anxious and afraid.  Some can even become paralysed by this fear. It is important to remember that our fear is about the unknown.  There are many things that we do not know in relation to a pandemic.  We don’t know the extent of the spread of the disease, possible mutation, nor if it will worsen in severity.  When faced with a range of possibilities, some quite frightening, it is important to be psychologically prepared. 

Although we can feel that a pandemic may be outside of our control, there is actually a lot we can do. One of the most useful strategies is to see the situation in perspective and know what you actually do have control of.  That is being psychologically prepared and able to cope.  This can assist us to feel more in control and able to deal with the situation, whatever eventuates.  It may reduce the anxiety and worry that you feel.  So how can you become psychologically prepared for a pandemic?

• Reassure yourself with what is currently known about the illness such as low mortality rates, quarantine procedures to contain the spread of the disease, national and international pandemic response plans, and government supplies of medication, for example. 
  
  
• Keep a sense of perspective in relation to the situation. Do not continuously research the issues or watch endless media reports.  Remember the media may sensationalise certain aspects to sell copy.  Be discerning about what you and your children view.
  
  
• Take normal health precautions – wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. Use disposable tissues and put these in a bin immediately after use and wash your hands afterwards. Teach your family members to do the same.
  
  
• Identify what food and other essentials you may need in the event you are required to stay home for an extended period.  You can find an emergency survival kit checklist and link to an emergency pantry list at: www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf
  
  
• Have emergency telephone numbers such as your general practitioner, local emergency department, and state health authorities in an easily accessible place.
  
  
• Look at your daily routines – if a pandemic warning is raised could you perhaps shop at quieter times, have children cared for at home?
  
  
• Become aware of your organisation’s pandemic preparedness and response plan.  Keep up to date with briefings and notifications, participate in discussion forums about alternative work arrangements and at all times comply with any directives issued.
  
  
• In times of uncertainty many people feel confused and anxious. This can also be the case for your colleagues, supervisors and managers.  They are people too, who may be experiencing their own stress and concern. Try to bear this in mind when you are communicating with others.   
  
  
• In the event of a pandemic creating multiple absences of people at work, be prepared for the possibility that you may be required to take on additional duties or different tasks.  Ensure you are properly trained in how to perform these tasks and monitor your stress / fatigue levels to prevent any personal risk.
  
  
• When interacting at work try to minimise any physical contact with others such as shaking hands. Try to increase your distance from others by approximately one metre where possible. 
  
  
• Ensure your work area is clean by regularly using hand wipes, cleaning surfaces / keyboards / monitors / telephones, particularly if you share a workstation. Clean your hands with antibacterial wipes regularly especially after using door handles, toilets, or public areas.
  
  
• If you are required to leave work as a precaution, make sure you are aware of the alternative communication strategies put in place by your organisation.  Try to use technology such as telephones and the internet to stay connected to your colleagues and workplace.
  
  
• Talk about your fears and concerns with close family members and friends – try to focus on coming up with solutions for how you would manage any possible situation. Problem solving potential issues prior to them occurring will enable you to know that you will be prepared and cope with whatever eventuates.
  
  
• In the event that you continue to feel anxious, arrange a telephone counselling appointment with a counsellor either privately or through your organisation’s Employee Assistance Program. 
  
  
• As part of your psychological preparedness, think about practical strategies for situations that may arise such as if you become unwell, is there someone that could assist in bringing you food if you or your children were not able to leave home? Is there someone that could look after your children if their school or day care were temporarily closed?
  
  
• Explain what is happening to children in a factual, low key and reassuring manner.  Reinforce that this may just result in the family having to stay home for a few days.
  
  
• Stay home from work, school or public places, including public transport, if you are unwell. Use masks and respirators around the home to prevent the spread of infection.
  
  
• Teach your children how to use the telephone and who to call in the event you become unwell and are not able to call for help.
  
  
• In the event that you experience the loss of a family member, friend or colleague, please seek assistance from a qualified counsellor if you feel you are not coping.  Some workplaces may implement critical incident support services, please assess these if you have the opportunity.

 (References:  Australian Government Department of Health & Aging, Emergency Management Australia.)