Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection that mainly affects the nose and throat and occasionally the lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week and is characterised by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache and severe fatigue, cough and sore throat.

The virus is transmitted easily from person to person through droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze.

Most infected people recover within one to two weeks and without requiring medical treatment. However, in the very young, the elderly, and those with other serious medical conditions, infection can lead to complications.

Influenza tends to spread around the world in seasonal epidemics. New strains can often appear when an existing flu virus spreads to humans from another animal species i.e. avian flu (H5N1) or swine flu (H1N1). In April 2009, the World Health Organisation officially declared the outbreak of swine flu to be pandemic. 

What information should my client provide? 

Your customer should complete the General medical disclosure fast-track questionnaire .

Likely acceptance terms

Life cover, specified illness cover, income protector
Assuming the applicant has fully recovered, cover will be accepted at normal rates; otherwise, cover will be postponed.

Hospital cash cover, accident cover, contribution cover
Assuming the applicant has fully recovered, cover will be accepted at normal rates; otherwise, cover will be postponed.