According the WHO website, “As of 29 April, human-to-human transmission of A(H1N1) swine influenza virus appears to be mainly through droplets. Therefore, the infection control precautions for patients with suspected or confirmed A(H1N1) swine influenza and those with influenza-like symptoms should prioritize the control of the spread of respiratory droplets.†In other words, keep your body fluids to yourself – and stay away from those who don’t
The WHO site http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html – also suggests some other basic precautions to avoid infection:
– Stay in your own space
– Protect your nose and mouth (see above)
– Wash your hands
The CDC offers these everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and decrease the likelihood of transmission:
– Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
– Offer masks to persons who are coughing.
– Isolate persons with flu-like symptoms from others.
– If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
And, if you really have to get up-to-the-minute updates follow UCLA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/uclahealth
