What you need to know about Swine Flu protection.
Isaac Hayes - 30 May 2009H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) Outbreaks
(Written for Australia - Phone numbers and contact info will vary from country to country)
Even before a person is showing symptoms of influenza they can be infectious and shedding influenza virus, infecting the people around them – so it’s important to always follow good hygiene measures. These measures will not only help to protect you from swine influenza, but from other influenza viruses, such as human or avian (bird) flu.
How influenza viruses spread
Droplets: Influenza viruses are spread in droplets of moisture created when an infected person sneezes or coughs – you can become infected by breathing in these droplets which contain particles of the virus.
Contaminated surfaces: Influenza viruses can survive on surfaces such as door handles for hours. If you touch a contaminated surface, and then go on to touch your eyes, nose or mouth you can infect yourself with the virus. Studies have shown that measurable quantities of influenza virus can be transferred to a person’s hands from stainless steel surfaces for up to 24 hours and from tissues for up to a few minutes.
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your face Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose and eyes. This will help prevent you from picking up viruses from contaminated surfaces and infecting yourself.
Stay away from Sick People
Avoid crowds and busy places
Avoid shaking hands and kissing
Avoid overseas travel
Watch your children
Use hand sanitiser
Protecting yourself and others
One of the most effective ways to protect you, your family and friends from influenza is to practise good personal hygiene. Here are five simple ways to prevent the spread of any form of influenza:
1. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough The flu virus can travel through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. When you cough or sneeze you should: turn away from other people; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve; use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief (which could store the virus); put used tissues into the nearest bin, rather than a pocket or handbag; and wash your hands, or use an alcohol hand rub, as soon as possible afterwards. If you are unwell with a cold or flu, wear a surgical mask, where possible, to contain the virus and help prevent its spread.
2. Wash your hands Washing your hands regularly - even when they aren't visibly dirty - with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based product that does not require water, is effective in killing the flu virus. A variety of alcohol-based gels, rinses or foams can be found at supermarkets and pharmacies. Always wash your hands: after you've been to the toilet; after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose; after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu; before touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and before preparing food and eating.
3. Don't share personal items The flu virus can spread when someone touches an object which has the virus on it and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. If a person in your household has the flu: keep personal items, such as towels, bedding and toothbrushes separate; and do not share eating and drinking utensils, food or drinks.
4. Clean surfaces Flu viruses can live on surfaces for several hours. If someone in your house has the flu, regularly clean surfaces such as tables, benches, fridge doors and door knobs with soap and water or detergent.
5. Avoid close contact with others if you are unwell with flu Keeping your distance by standing or sitting back at least one metre from other people will help reduce the chances of spreading the flu virus. While you are unwell you should not go to work or school or attend other public or crowded gatherings, and should avoid taking public transport. Preferably, you should remain at home. If you must use public transport, try to wear a mask to contain the virus. Do not visit people who have the flu unless it is absolutely necessary. If someone in your house has the flu, he or she should be separated from other family members, if possible, and wear a surgical mask or face covering if possible. If you are caring for someone who has the flu, you too should wear a mask and gloves when in close contact to protect yourself from catching the flu. Current information suggests that the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza are useful against the H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) virus. These drugs are available through pharmacies and can be prescribed by general practitioners.
Personal protective equipment
If an outbreak becomes widespread in the community, authorities may encourage people who are not sick to wear a mask or other covering for the nose and mouth to help protect them from catching the virus. It is particularly important for people who are sneezing or coughing to also wear a mask, if possible, to prevent spreading the infection to others. If you run a business or community organisation, you should consider taking proactive measures to help stop the spread of infection. For example, you could provide tissues and 'no-touch' bins, and soap or alcohol-based products for your clients, and post signs to remind people about good hygiene practices.
Preparing your household
There are several things you can do now to help be prepared, should an outbreak occur:
# Have plans in place in case you and your family have to stay at home for a week or so during an outbreak. Talk to your family and friends about your plans.
# If you live alone, are a single parent of young children, or are the only person caring for a frail or disabled person, think of someone you could ask for help if you became very ill with the flu. Discuss with that person what you might need and how they could help
# Think of someone who might be able to care for your children if their school or daycare centre was to close during an outbreak but you still had to go to work. Talk it over with the person.
# Arrange a telephone network for you and the people who live close by so that you can easily check on each other, if necessary.
# Display the phone number of your family doctor and your state or territory health information line, where they can easily be seen.
# Think of someone who could help you with food and other supplies if you and your family were sick and could not leave the house.
# Teach children about hand washing and sneeze/cough etiquette.
# Think about supplies you might need in an outbreak.
If you get sick
The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) are similar to those of seasonal influenza (“the flu”. It is important that you keep up-to-date with advice on symptoms from health department announcements, websites and hotlines. If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they become worse, you should immediately seek medical advice by phoning your General Practitioner, hospital or the H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) Hotline in your country (Australia (180 2007)). It is especially important to get medical advice at the first signs of illness in children, and in people who have certain chronic medical conditions. Your doctor will be able to advise if you have a chronic condition which may put you at particular risk of the complications of influenza.
If you get sick:
# Stay at home - Avoid contact with others as much as possible and stay away from work or school while the infection is contagious. If possible, wear a mask when near other people. You will be advised when normal activities can be resumed.
# Rest - You will probably feel very weak and tired until your temperature returns to normal. Resting will provide comfort and allow your body to use its energy to fight the infection.
# Drink plenty of fluids - Extra fluids are needed to replace what you lose in sweating due to fever. If your urine is dark, you need to drink more. Try to drink a glass of water or juice, or an equal amount of some other fluid, every hour while you are awake.
# Take simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, in doses as recommended on the package, to ease your muscle pain and bring down fever (unless your doctor says otherwise). Children under 18 years of age should not take medications containing aspirin. The combination of influenza and aspirin in children has been known to cause Reye's syndrome, a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver. Your pharmacist can provide advice on appropriate 'over-the-counter' medications for reducing fever.
# Antiviral medications – If an outbreak occurs, information about the availability of medications for influenza will be communicated widely by the Australian Government. These medications are most effective if taken within the first 24-48 hours of infection and can be prescribed by your general Practitioner. It is therefore important to seek medical attention early. Seek medical attention immediately by phone if you get sick.
# Antibiotics are not effective against influenza because it is a virus - and antibiotics fight bacteria. Your doctor may, however, prescribe them if you develop secondary bacterial infections (such as an ear infection) or complications (e.g. pneumonia).
# Gargle with a glass of warm water to ease a sore throat. Sugarless lollies or lozenges may also help. Some medications, such as benzocaine, work by numbing the throat. They usually come in the form of a lozenge or throat spray. Others, containing substances like honey or herbs, work by coating the throat.
# Use saline nose drops or spray to help soothe or clear a blocked nose. Decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels. There are two kinds of decongestants - pills and liquids, which are nose drops or sprays. Nose drops and sprays act in minutes. They are more effective and have fewer side effects than pills, but they tend to work for only two to three days. If your nose is still stuffy after three days, you may have to switch to pills. They take half an hour to work and may cause a dry mouth, sleep disturbances and other side effects. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant in pill form but you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it is suitable for you.
# A cough can be helpful if it gets rid of mucus. If a dry cough keeps you awake, a cough suppressant (antitussive) may be helpful. If you need help loosening mucus from the chest or lungs, an expectorant may help. You should not take a suppressant and an expectorant together. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate medication. Do not smoke as it is very irritating to airways that are already damaged by the virus.
# Ask for help - If you live alone, are a single parent, or are responsible for the care of someone who is frail or disabled, you may need to call someone to help you until you are feeling better.
# Older people are much more sensitive to medications in general and may experience more side effects, especially to the nervous system (e.g. confusion). If you have questions about medications, talk to your pharmacist.
# Talk to a doctor - If you are sick during an outbreak it is advisable that in the first instance you make contact with a doctor or hospital by phone rather than in person, to help reduce the spread of infection.
If a child is sick:
# Children under 18 years of age should not take medications containing aspirin. The combination of influenza and aspirin in children has been known to cause Reye's syndrome, a very serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver. It is important that parents of children who need to take regularly medications containing aspirin discuss the possible complications associated with influenza with their doctor, and find out what they can do to reduce the risk. Pharmacists can provide advice on appropriate 'over-the-counter' medications for reducing fever.
# Dress them in lightweight clothing and keep the room temperature at about 20° Celsius if possible.
# Offer cool fluids frequently when they are awake.
# Allow children to rest and stay at home until no longer infectious, so the virus isn't spread to other children.
# Teach children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when they cough or sneeze.
# Use salt-water nose drops to treat a stuffy nose. Throw tissues in a bin as soon as you have wiped a child's nose.
# Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same.
People considered at risk of developing complications. Most healthy people recover from influenza without serious problems. However, some people are considered at risk of developing complications which can be very serious, and even cause death. These include:
# very young children;
# the elderly;
# pregnant women, particularly those in the second and third trimester;
# people with diseases such as cancer or HIV/AIDS;
# people who have received organ transplants;
# people who frequently take certain medications; and
people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease (e.g. asthma, cystic fibrosis), kidney disease and diabetes.
The risk to these people increases because they may have weaker body defences (immune systems) or because, when the body is affected by other conditions, it is easier for bacteria to invade the cells that have been damaged by the flu virus and so cause other illnesses such as pneumonia. The flu can also stress the body so much that an underlying illness may worsen.
Where to get help
Talk to a doctor - If you are unwell during an outbreak it is advisable that in the first instance you make contact with a doctor or hospital by phone rather than in person, to help reduce the spread of infection.
If there is an outbreak of influenza in your community:
# Watch TV, listen to the radio or check newspapers or the website (www.health emergency.gov.au) for up-to-date information.
# Call the Department of Health and Ageing H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) Health Hotline information hotline 180 2007.
Information will also be available from your state or territory health department.
Other Important Infomation
