Swine INFLUENZA

H1N1 INFLUENZA

“Swine Flu ” or “H1N1 Influenza A” is a new type of influenza (subtype H1N1) believed to have formed from a mixture of pig, bird and human virus. It is easy to catch from other humans and can cause serious illness or even death. Those most affected range from ages 15 – 50. 

How can I avoid catching Influenza if a pandemic occurs?

Droplets containing virus are spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. 
- Use a disposable tissue to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.  
- If tissue is not available, cover nose and mouth with upper sleeve. 
DO NOT USE HANDS.  
- Wash Hands after covering a cough or sneeze. 
- Dispose of used tissues immediately in waste receptacle

You can catch the disease if someone coughs on you, or if you touch a surface which an infected person has coughed on and then touch your mouth
- Wash your hands frequently and carefully 
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 
- Don’t shake hands or kiss friends

The virus lives for 48 hours on hard surfaces such as tables, taps, door handles, and lift buttons. Soap & water, alcohol and disinfectants all kill the virus.  
- Clean hard surfaces frequently  
- If touching communal items clean before use or use a tissue  
- Clean shared equipment very carefully before use

Cough particles can travel up to 1 metre. A person can be infectious before developing symptoms 
- Consider everyone as infectious 
- Avoid public places. If unavoidable wear a fully covered mask. 
- Avoid close contact with sick people. 
- If sick with influenza, stay home and keep away from others. Wear surgical mask if contact is unavoidable