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Guide · GUIDE 15

Protection in a pandemic

Last reviewed on 29.06.2026

A pandemic is not a one-off event but a strain lasting weeks to months in several waves: shortages of medication and care, staff absences, restrictions on public life. Personal preparedness – supplies, hygiene material, a medication stock and up-to-date vaccination – eases the burden on you and the healthcare system. The FOPH provides reliable information. This does not replace medical advice.

Before: prepare

  1. Stock hygiene material and masks (soap, disinfectant)
  2. Keep several weeks of regular medication on hand
  3. Keep your vaccination up to date
  4. Build up supplies to reduce shopping trips
  5. Know reliable information sources (FOPH), do not follow rumours

How do I reduce my risk of infection?

  1. Follow the FOPH's hygiene and behaviour rules (hands, distance, mask if needed)
  2. If you have symptoms, reduce contacts and stay at home
  3. Use official channels rather than rumours
  4. Especially protect at-risk people around you
  5. Bundle shopping, run errands for vulnerable neighbours

After: follow up

  1. Replenish supplies and hygiene material
  2. Discuss the experience in the household and adjust the plan
  3. Update vaccination and medication status

What supplies do I need for a pandemic?

Unlike many hazards, this is about endurance over weeks – not a short acute phase.

  1. Hygiene masks (e.g. FFP2) and gloves for several weeks
  2. Hand sanitiser and soap, surface disinfectant
  3. Thermometer, painkillers/antipyretics, electrolytes (rehydration)
  4. Personal regular medication for several weeks
  5. A supply of food and water for about 1 week to stretch out shopping

Common mistakes

  1. Only wanting to buy masks/hygiene material when the outbreak starts (then often sold out)
  2. Not topping up regular medication in time
  3. Following rumours and false reports instead of the FOPH
  4. Keeping up contacts and visits despite symptoms
  5. Forgetting the at-risk people around you

Frequently asked questions

How do I protect myself during a flu wave or pandemic?

FOPH: wash/disinfect hands, cough/sneeze into a tissue/the crook of your elbow, keep your distance, ventilate. Mask especially when you have symptoms.

What do I do if I have symptoms of illness?

With respiratory symptoms, stay at home, reduce contacts, follow the current FOPH recommendations.

How do I prepare for a pandemic?

Emergency supplies (~1 week) reduce shopping trips. Keep hygiene items, a thermometer and, if applicable, masks ready. Get information from official sources.

Official sources