Hygiene Council Statement | Influenza A(H1N1) Factsheet | Global Hygiene Council Press Release
Hygiene in the Home | Interview with Prof Oxford

Hygiene Council Statement - Influenza A(H1N1)

In late April the WHO announced the emergence of a novel virus, Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu. On the 11th of June 2009 a Global Influenza Pandemic was announced. The Hygiene Council is monitoring the situation globally. Together with anti-viral medication and vaccines, good hygiene practice is central to our protection against the virus.

At this time of heightened risk of infection the Hygiene Council recommends an increased level of hygiene which can help protect you from the potential threat of picking up infectious diseases such as influenza A(H1N1). 

The following are useful preventative measures you can take:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell with flu-like symptoms – i.e. fever, fatigue and sore throat
• Practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water ensuring all of the surfaces of the hands are cleaned.  Once washed, dry your hands thoroughly with a clean dry towel
• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent spreading germs to others – i.e. cough into your elbow rather than your hands and sneeze into a tissue to minimise hand contact transmission of germs.  Throw used tissues away immediately and wash your hands
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands
• If soap and water is unavailable use a hand sanitizer
• Regular disinfection of hand contact surfaces such as door handles, taps/faucets and light switches is recommended
• If you feel unwell with flu-like symptoms stay at home.  Do not go to work and seek advice from your doctor or health authority via telephone

If there is an ill person at home:

• Avoid close contact with people displaying flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue.  If possible the infected person should stay in a separate section of the house
• Cover your nose and mouth when in contact with the ill person
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the ill person
• Ensure your home is hygienically clean by disinfecting hand contact surfaces

For more information contact your local health authority.