Preventive measures for swine flu

There are several measures for swine flu as preventive steps. One of the common saying “prevention is better than cure” is true for swine flu as well.  The basic step in prevention from swine flu is washing hands. This gives protection from being infected by the H1N1 virus. Also those individuals who are affected by the swine flu can be handled with care at home, if the healthcare provider has suggested.  Conversely those individuals in the risk group like children, pregnant women, older adults, and those suffering from disorders related to immunity such as AIDS should be treated in a health care center to prevent any further complications.

 What are the general preventive measures to be followed at home?

The general steps for the prevention of swine flu at home are:

• Washing hands thoroughly and regularly with soap, particularly if you have been outside or to a public place. Alcohol based hand rubs can be used too instead of soap.
• As far as possible avoid touching the nose and mouth very often.
• Swab the floor using a proper disinfectant or house hold cleaner.
• House should be kept properly ventilated for proper circulation of air and to stop the buildup of infected air.
• Always cover nose and mouth while sneezing, throw away the used tissues as told by the health authorities. Wash hands properly afterwards.

 What are the instructions for the care taker looking after a swine flu     infected member?

These are the few important steps to be followed to protect yourself and a family member who is affected by swine flu:

• Caregivers must be restricted to one; its better only one member takes care of the infected member.
• Tell the swine flu infected member to wear a mouth mask
• Caretaker should wear a mask while attending to the affected child or adult.
• Keep the room clean with house hold cleaners
• Throw away or disinfect the mouth mask after every use.
• Hands should be washed after removing the mask, alternatively alcohol solution can be used
• Also wash the vessels and utensils in use regularly. Wash hands as mentioned before.

 What are the preventive measures to be taken in for office goers?

For many, work is important as it’s the livelihood. One cannot avoid going to office unless that individual in infected. If you are affected and have symptoms of swine flu avoid going to office for the next 7-10 days till all the symptoms get cleared. Thus the other employees will be protected from the spread of swine flu in the office. If the work is very important or loaded make arrangements alternatively to work from home.

 The other general preventive measures include:

• Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing
• Keep your workstation clean
• Avoid touching your mouth and nose too often; mainly because you would have touched surfaces such as door knobs, chairs, stationary etc which may carry virus for long hours
• Wash your hands with soap at regular intervals
• An alcohol based hand rub can be used and kept at your table as hand washing may not be possible at frequent intervals
• Instruct your co-workers to stay at home if you or they notice any symptoms of swine flu

 What are the preventive measures to be taken for children attending     schools?

The group infection of swine flu is very potential in schools and the spread as well. Parents should not send their children to school if the child is infected. Confirm with the school authorities and discuss about the steps taken the campus for protection from swine flu.

• Make sure your child wears a mouth mask if you know that few others are infected in the premises.
• Teach the child to close the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Tell your child not to touch the nose and mouth frequently.
• Tell the child to wash the hands with soap after returning from school
• Avoid close contact with other children until the danger falls.

 What measures one should take for the swine flu when outside the     house?

It is always better to take precautionary measures and follow instructions provided by the local health care authorities. Follow the steps listed if you are in a locality where there are cases and symptoms of swine flu.

• Try to avoid gatherings in mass as much s possible
• Crowded places must be avoided
• Wear a mouth mask while going out and discard or disinfect it after every single use
• Wash your hands with soap after visiting others
• Always cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Spread the awareness about the health etiquettes and swine flu.
• Keep yourself updated about the situation in your community and the guidelines being followed

 What measures are to be taken for protection against swine flu while     travelling?

• Individuals who are affected with swine flu or flu like symptoms must postpone their travel plans.
• You must also contact your healthcare provider to know about the national and international guidelines to prevent the spread of infection. 
• Preferably postpone your meetings being held in infected areas or use other modes of  communication such as phone, fax, videoconferencing etc., to complete your works that need you to travel
• Follow the general instruction of hand care, cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• You can use a disposable mask and remember to discard it following single use.