Swine flu prevention: tissues, catching germs, vaccination and masks

According to the NHS website , you can protect yourself and your family from swine flu by

• ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water

  

• cleaning surfaces regularly
  

You can prevent a virus spreading to others by:

• always carrying tissues
• using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
• binning the tissues as soon as possible
• washing your hands regularly

CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. is a simple way to remember this.

You can also prepare now and in the build-up to a pandemic by:

• Confirming a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives – who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus.
• Knowing your NHS number and those of other family members and keeping them in a safe place. You will be able to find your NHS Number on your medical card or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letter or hospital appointment card/letter.
• Having a stock of food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill.

Masks

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends that healthcare workers should wear a facemask if they come into close contact with a person with symptoms (within one metre) to reduce their risk of catching the virus from patients.

However, the HPA does not recommend that healthy people wear facemasks to go about their everyday business.

Why shouldn't the general public wear facemasks?

Because there’s no conclusive evidence that facemasks will protect healthy people in their day-to-day lives.

The virus is spread by picking up the virus from touching infected surfaces, or by someone coughing or sneezing at very close range – so unless you are standing close to someone with the virus, wearing a facemask will not make a difference.

There are concer

ns about the risks posed by not using facemasks correctly.

Facemasks must be changed regularly as they are less effective when dampened by a person’s breath. People may infect themselves if they touch the outer surface of their mask, or may infect others by not disposing of old masks safely.

Finally, wearing a facemask may encourage complacency. People need to focus on good hand hygiene, staying at home if they are feeling unwell, and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze.

Vaccine

A vaccine to prote

ct against swine flu is being developed, but it is not available yet.

The first batches of vaccine are expected to arrive in the autumn, and 30 million double doses – enough for half the population – are expected to be available by the end of the year.

The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population and, when it becomes available, will focus on those at the greatest risk first

look at more information this link..

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu-information/5258672/Swine

Arranged by moha Hussien