I will keep this page active with as much information I can gather about this epi / pan demic.  It is important to remember that this particular type of flu is, despite what the press would have us believe, quite mild. The age groups most likely to be affected are the 0 - 50 age band but not exclusively. The people who are most likely to suffer the severest infection are those whose immune systems are already compromised, those who already have chronic breathing problems (Chronic bronchitis, asthma) and those who are poorly due to other ailments. TAMIFLU is the recognised treatment if you contract the flu or start getting cold like symptoms and are already compromised. Tamiflu is already in short supply on the island and the best place to get it if you are in an at risk group is at the general hospital. If you can get it at a pharmacy it will cost between €25 and €35.

If you want any more information you are welcome to contact me. In the meantime, if you glean any more information for this page, please send it to me.

Barrie  Davies

So this is how it started !!!

29 April 2009

To British Nationals in Cyprus from the British High Commission in Nicosia

Swine Flu

You will already be aware of international concern about outbreaks of ”swine flu” in Mexico and elsewhere, and fears that this might trigger a global human flu pandemic. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has been planning for such a scenario for some time. Please note that to date there have been no reports of suspected cases in Cyprus.

This letter aims to point you in the direction of sources of information and set out what the British High Commission will and will not be able to do in the event of a pandemic.

Please read the FCO’s current advice on the recent “swine flu” outbreak and the FCO’s general pandemic advice.  These sites can be monitored for up-to-date information.  I will inform you of any change to our advice for British nationals in Cyprus and updates will appear on the British High Commission (BHC)’s website

In the event of a pandemic, a virus would spread very rapidly, affecting all countries within a matter of weeks. Given the likely disruption to transport, healthcare services (including the NHS in the UK) and other local services, the level of consular assistance and the visa service which we can provide might be significantly reduced, not least because some of our own staff may be ill.  In certain circumstances we may even have to close the High Commission temporarily to prevent the spread of infection.

We have a flu contingency plan for the High Commission so that we can try to maintain a basic consular service during any crisis. On the BHC website we would provide information on the local situation (including local healthcare providers) and transport links.  Any assistance we are able to offer is likely to be offered remotely (via telephone or e-mail).

I would especially draw your attention to the section of the FCO’s general pandemic advice (link above) “British Nationals living overseas”.  You will note that in the event of a pandemic, we have concluded that given the potential number of British nationals involved we will be unable to offer repatriation.

3rd May 2009

From the St Barnabas weekly newsletter

All British Nationals, who are registered with The British High Commission in Nicosia, have received information about the outbreak of Swine Flu. If you are not registered, you may do so only online at www.locate.fco.gov.uk. They write that The World Health Organisation (WHO) is co-ordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.  Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website. On 29 April the WHO raised the pandemic alert level to phase 5.   This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. To date there have been no reports of suspected cases of swine flu (H1N1) in Cyprus.

Concerned members of our congregation suggest buying the vaccine from pharmacies on the island, where it costs about €27. The High Commission writes that Tamiflu is not suitable for everyone (eg infants and pregnant or breast-feeding women) and you should seek advice on what alternatives can be recommended. People who may be more vulnerable to complications (eg those with asthma, chronic renal disease or diabetes mellitus) should also seek extra advice and should contact their doctor for tailor-made advice about what medication is safe for them in the event of Tamiflu being necessary.

6th May 2009

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION COMMUNITY NOTICE
Update 2    

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is co-ordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.  Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website.

On 29 April the WHO raised the pandemic alert level to phase 5.   This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region.

To date there have been no reports of suspected cases of swine flu (H1N1) in Cyprus.

In order for you to keep up to date on any further developments, you should closely monitor the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for our latest advice.  There is also a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.

The following websites can also provide any additional information (please click on the links):

World Health Organisation
UK Department of Health
Health Protection Agency
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:

• covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• making sure your children follow this advice.

Following the raising of the alert level to phase 5 by the WHO we have advised British High Commission staff to pay close attention to the information on the Department of Health website (link above).  We also advise staff that:

·        Tamiflu is not suitable for everyone (eg infants and pregnant or breast-feeding women) and you should seek advice on what alternatives can be recommended.  Staff and dependants who may be more vulnerable to complications (eg those with asthma, chronic renal disease or diabetes mellitus) should also seek extra advice and should contact their doctor for tailor-made advice about what medication is safe for them in the event of Tamiflu being necessary.

·        If you (or any dependants) start feeling ill with flu-like symptoms you should stay at home and seek medical advice by telephone

How this epidemic will affect Cyprus and how serious it will be as a health risk worldwide is far from clear.  But things could change rapidly, and I wanted British Nationals in Cyprus to have the best sources of information and advice available to them.  Depending on developments, there is a possibility that the level of consular assistance and visa service which we can provide may be significantly reduced, or in certain circumstances we may have to close the Mission temporarily to prevent the spread of infection.  We will let you know if the situation disrupts our operation.

Please note that we are not able to offer any medical treatment or supplies.  You should seek local medical advice if you feel it necessary.  The British Government will not be in the position to offer evacuation of British Nationals in the event of an influenza pandemic.

If you have further questions, please email us at: nicosia.consular@fco.gov.uk

Could I also use this opportunity to remind you that only you can update your details on Locate using your user name and password.  If you do not wish to receive further notifications like this, you should access the database and amend your details. And please understand that annual renewal is required, but an automatic reminder is sent to you as a prompt every 12 months.

Peter Millett
British High Commissioner

2 June 2009

In the last few days the Republic of Cyprus has confirmed its first human case of swine flu.   There is no change to our advice to British nationals.  Full advice and up-to-date information about the disease can be found at:

 http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

Claire Lawley,  
First Secretary (Consul),   British High Commission,   Nicosia

12 June 09

Swine flu pandemic

The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow. On 11 June the World Health Organisation raised the pandemic alert to Phase 6. This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus in more than one WHO region. The alert phase refers to the geographical spread of the pandemic, not its severity.

Although the global alert has been raised to its highest level, there remains no change to our advice to British nationals in Cyprus.  Our specific advice can be found at: 

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

Claire Lawley,  
First Secretary (Consul),   British High Commission,   Nicosia

22nd June 2009

Swine flu pandemic

H1N1 influenza virus"

The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow. Over the weekend there have been reports of a small number of British nationals in Cyprus contracting the disease.

Our advice to British nationals in Cyprus remains unchanged and can be found at:   

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu

British High Commission,    Nicosia

Advice

At the moment, cases of swine flu are few and far between. Similarly, the illness is a fairly mild one. However, as the winter months arrive, so will the number of cases increase and so will the severity of the illness. This is particularly so in cases where health is already compromised eg in those who suffer chronic chest conditions and those whose immune system is already compromised. Simple precautions are paramount and easy to observe:
1     Coughs and sneezes DO spread diseases so cover up your nose and mouth!
2.    The virus lives happily on skin and so shake hands with a contaminated hand and you are in trouble !
3.    And at the end of a match, nice though it is, refrain from kissing your opponent - if a handshake can pass it on, lips don't bear thinking!!!
4.    Wash your hands as often as possible - preferably with an antibacterial !
5.    Don't bother asking for a flu vaccine because the H1N1 virus has not been cultured and included yet.

Hope this makes some sense to you.

Barrie

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