Practical tips
The New Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which is better known as the Mexican Flu virus, is transmitted via air-borne droplets of saliva released after coughing or sneezing. These droplets can be inhaled by and directly infect someone else. They can also spread the virus to all manner of objects. Infection can occur when wiping your eyes, nose or mouth after touching something infected with the virus. The virus bearing saliva can also be transferred when you touch something after using your hand to shield your mouth while coughing.
What can you do to minimise the risk of transmitting the flu virus?
1. Wash your hands regularly
When you wash your hands, you protect yourself from both direct and indirect contact with the flu virus. Direct contact includes, for instance, shaking hands with someone (who is infected with the flu virus) after they have touched their mouth or nose or have used their hand to shield their mouth while coughing or sneezing. Indirect contact includes, for instance, touching a doorknob, tap or handkerchief used or thrown away by an infected person.
2. Cover your mouth and your nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze
Droplets can only travel a limited distance. Accordingly, those who are closer than a metre to someone who coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth or nose run the greatest risk of infection.
3. Dispose of tissues carefully
As the flu virus can survive temporarily outside of the human body, it can be transmitted via recently infected objects (e.g. handkerchiefs and disposable tissues). For this reason, it is important to always dispose used tissues in the dust bin (preferably one with a lid).
4. Cover your mouth and nose even if you don’t have a tissue
If you don’t have a tissue, use your hand to shield your mouth when you sneeze or cough. This helps to combat the spread of the virus. Wash your hands immediately afterwards.
5. Stay home if you are sick
People are most contagious immediately after developing symptoms. We recommend that you stay home as soon as flu symptoms become apparent. Consult your GP if your condition deteriorates.