Protecting yourself and others
The best protection you can afford yourself and others is to get vaccinated against the pandemic influenza. This will reduce the chances of you getting and transmitting the disease.
But even people who have been vaccinated can pass the virus on if they touch objects contaminated by an infected person. One of the most effective ways to limit the spread of infection is to practise good personal hygiene, particularly hand washing.
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 for up to 12 hours);
- 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.
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 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;
- before preparing food and eating; and
- after you've been to the toilet.
To wash your hands properly:
3. Don't share personal items
The flu virus can spread when someone touches an object that 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 hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. If someone in your house has the flu, regularly clean surfaces such as tables, benches, fridge doors and door handles with normal household detergents.
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 and recover.
You should wear a facemask when seeking medical attention or when in close company of vulnerable people
If someone in your house has the flu, he or she should be separated from other family members, if possible, and wear a face mask or face covering when they come into close contact (within 1 metre) of others.
If you are caring for someone who has the flu and they can’t wear a face mask, such as with a young child who is ill, you should consider wearing a face mask when in close contact (within 1 metre). This is mainly to remind you to avoid touching your mouth and nose.
More detail on www.healthemergency.gov.au:
