Swine flu

Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) is currently of worldwide concern. Knowing what steps to take to protect yourself, your loved ones, or your business can be confusing, especially with all the coverage in the media.

The Department of Health's document Pandemic Flu - Guidance for Businesses advises people to take the following precautions:

• Individuals should use a tissue to cover their nose and mouth when coughing and/or sneezing, dispose of the tissue promptly and then wash their hands.
• Tissues should be disposed of in domestic waste - they do not require any special treatment.
• Individuals should not use cloth handkerchiefs or reuse tissues. This practice carries a risk of contaminating pockets or handbags which may then recontaminate hands every time they go into those pockets or handbags.
• Individuals should clean their hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues. Soap and water is a perfectly effective means of cleaning hands; however, handrubs (microbicidal handrubs, particularly alcohol-based) can be used as an alternative.
• Individuals should minimise touching of the mouth, eyes and/or nose, unless they have recently cleaned their hands.
• Normal household detergent and water should be used to clean surfaces frequently touched by hands.
• Individuals should clean their hands as soon as they get to work and when they arrive home. The full guidelines can be downloaded here.

The full guidelines can be downloaded here

WHO Guidelines state that alcohol handrubs are important in minimising the transmission of Swine Flu H1N1