Protecting yourself & others
In general, influenza viruses are spread in two ways:
- Respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes (these droplets generally travel less than one metre); and
- Touching contaminated surfaces (including hands) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Respiratory droplet and contact spread are the major modes of transmission in the community, but specific procedures within the medical setting may lead to generation of aerosols (particles suspended in the atmosphere), requiring specific precautions in these settings.
One of the most effective ways to protect you, your friends and family from the flu (whether seasonal or pandemic) is to practise good personal hygiene.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based product (gels, rinses, foams) that doesn't require water - even when they aren't visibly dirty. This is the single most effective way of killing the flu virus. Either of these methods is effective, with products available at supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. The flu virus can travel through the air, so by turning away from people and covering your mouth or nose with a tissue or sleeve, you will help prevent the spread. Remember to put used tissues in the bin and wash your hands afterwards.
- Don't share personal items such as towels, bedding, toothbrushes and eating utensils. The flu virus can spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with others. Keep your distance from others (at least one metre apart) when you are unwell to reduce the risk of spreading the flu virus. Avoid going out in public when you are sick. If you have the flu you should not go to work or school, or attend other public gatherings.
- Use protection equipment if you are coughing or maybe infectious. In addition to adopting good hygiene practices and keeping a distance, people who are coughing or sneezing (or who have other symptoms of the flu such as fever or muscle pain) are encouraged to wear a surgical mask to contain the virus and help prevent its spread.
In the event of a pandemic, the Australian Government will advise ways in which you can help minimise the risk and spread of infection through announcements in the media and other information resources.
This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008
