10 Do’s and Don’ts to Protect Yourself From Swine Flu

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Posted by admin | Posted in Latest News | Posted on 10-10-2009

The H1N1 virus that causes swine flu is highly infectious, most likely because so few of us have been exposed to it. While it’s nearly impossible to completely protect yourself from getting infected—even if you always wear a face mask—there are things you can do (or not do) to reduce your chances.

1. DO hug a friend (instead of kissing).

Hugging is less likely to transmit droplets from the nose or mouth that contain flu viruses. But you may want to avoid any close contact with someone who has a cough, runny nose, or other flu symptoms.

2. DO use hand sanitizer.

It’s great protection in crowded public places, where flu viruses are constantly transmitted to objects touched by many. Rub some sanitizer on while riding a bus or subway or after touching the doorknob in a public restroom.

3. DO wash hands frequently (preferably in sinks that turn on automatically).

Wet your hands with warm running water and lather with soap. Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds and then rinse. Automatic faucets are best because the H1N1 virus can live on surfaces for several hours. If an automatic faucet isn’t an option, use a clean or disposable towel to turn off the faucet.

4. DO use your own pen when making purchases.

Chances are that pen handed to you by a shop clerk was recently touched by someone who had droplets of H1N1 on his or her hands. Better to keep a pen of your own handy.

5. DO sneeze into your elbow.

This will keep you from transmitting viruses onto your hands and will help keep you from re-infecting yourself and from infecting others. It’s a little awkward at first but is becoming socially accepted; the U.S. government even recently enlisted Sesame Street‘s Elmo to demonstrate in public service announcements how it’s done.

6. DON’T shake hands.

To keep your hands free of others’ germs, avoid shaking hands as a greeting. Try waving, nodding your head, or smiling as a greeting. If you must shake an extended hand, rub on some hand sanitizer afterward.

7. DON’T French kiss when you or your loved one is sick.

Yes, exchanging saliva can spread H1N1. As silly as it seems, the government recommends wearing a face mask if you must kiss that special infected someone.

8. DON’T use another person’s phone or computer mouse.

These can harbor germs for hours. Try not to share such devices with another. If you do, swab them down with alcohol to kill lurking viruses.

9. DON’T rub your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hand.

Touching your face frequently is an easy way to transmit viruses, giving germs an easy entry into your body. You may not even know you’re doing it, but now is the time to pay attention to these habits.

10. DON’T change a diaper without washing your hands afterward.

This should be a given at any time, since stool harbors gastrointestinal bugs that cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. It may also contain H1N1, so caregivers of young children need to be extra careful when changing diapers.