Personal Hygiene & Cough Etiquette

The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal influenza:

• Large droplets from coughing and/or sneezing by an infected person within a short distance (usually 1 metre or less) of someone;
• Touching or shaking the hand of an infected person and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose soon after without first washing your hands;
• Touching surfaces or objects (eg door handles) that have become contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands.

The virus is not transmitted by food. There is no risk of catching the illness from handling and/or eating pork or pork products.

People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms. They can continue to spread the virus, for example in coughs and sneezes, for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once symptoms are gone, they are considered no longer infectious to others.

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and using a tissue or disposable paper towel when possible.
• Disposing of dirty tissues or paper towels promptly.
• 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. Note that excessive hand washing can cause irritant dermatitis and is not recommended. If soap and water are not available, an alternative is alcohol based hand wash products.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice.