Pandemic & severe wave of infection

A pandemic is a crisis in slow motion: it gives you weeks of lead time — if you act early, you can stay calm while everyone else is out shopping. The early warning (guide 24) reports clusters of news about outbreaks.

Early phase (first reports of a new pathogen that is spreading)

• Bring supplies up to 14 days (set the supplies calculator to 14), medicines for 4–8 weeks
• FFP2 masks (at least 30 per person), hand sanitiser, disposable gloves, fever thermometer
• Fever reducers/painkillers, electrolyte powder, cough medicine (guide 10)
• Clarify with your doctor: repeat prescriptions, phone/video consultations
• Older people in the household (from about 70) are particularly at risk — check vaccination status (doctor), agree on rules for visits

When it spreads in your own country

• Reduce contacts, bundle shopping (once a week, one person, mask)
• Protect older people: whoever goes out wears a mask and washes their hands first when they get home
• Ventilate, clean surfaces in the entrance area
• Follow official rules via radio, warning app and authorities (see region box); do not follow rumours

When someone in the household falls ill

• One room as the sickroom, ideally with its own bathroom; one person does the caring
• Carer: FFP2 mask, gloves, wash hands afterwards
• Record fever, fluid intake and breathing (with the time)
• Get help immediately (112 or your country's emergency number): breathlessness, bluish lips, confusion, chest pain, hardly any urine; with older people, any marked deterioration
• Pets can usually be cared for as normal; wash your hands after contact

Numbers